Mixed news for Rangers ahead of Glasgow Derby vs Celtic

Celtic had good news for fans with a 3-0 win against Dundee FC away at Dens Park on Boxing Day. They will now be preparing for a home game on Saturday against the Rangers. There was mixed news from their opponents' camp today ahead of the Glasgow Derby, as we head towards the final game of the year.

The win against Dundee FC came from a performance where Brendan Rodgers' side dominated for most of the match. Much-criticised substitute Mikey Johnston scored twice after an opener and first Celtic goal for Paulo Bernardo. The win leaves the Hoops five points clear at the top of the Premiership table, having played two games more than second-placed Rangers.

The Ibrox side were due to face Ross County in midweek. But the match had to be postponed. With the weather conditions on the A9 main road down to Glasgow, the cancellation is both sensible and safe.

The Ibrox club were keen to point out that the pitch was in good condition and not the reason for the postponement. Travel issues ended up resulting in it not being played.

Mixed news for Rangers ahead of Glasgow Derby vs Celtic

The postponement represents mixed news all around ahead of the Glasgow Derby at the weekend. It means that the Rangers are less likely to pick up any injuries ahead of their trip to Parkhead. And with a few already to contend with it means more preparation time with those available to play.

On the downside for the Ibrox side, they cannot close the points gap on the Hoops before they meet. That also now removes the possibility of them going top of the Premiership even if they were to pick up three points at the weekend.

For Celtic, the knowledge they will remain on top whatever the result isn’t particularly a boost. The Hoops won’t mind that potentially the Rangers, with their ongoing European participation for now, will start to build a fixture backlog and the added pressure that comes with it. Rodgers will though have his focus and priority on the Glasgow Derby, and perhaps the real boost for him and his side comes from the possibility of having Liel Abada and Reo Hatate available for the fixture.