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The last time the Old Firm met in the Scottish Premiership, Brendan Rodgers was manager of Celtic and Russell Martin was in charge of Rangers.
Fast forward to the latest episode of this rivalry, and there are two new faces on the touchline, as Wilfried Nancy and Danny Röhl prepare to face off.
However, for the first time since the 1993/94 season, neither club is at the top of Scottish football. Instead, Hearts lead the way to three points behind the Hoops, with Rangers a further three points behind their rivals.
Saturday January 3 11:30 a.m.
Kick-off at 12:30 p.m.
Celtic supporters’ patience with Nancy is quickly evaporating after losing four of six league matches since taking over from interim manager Martin O’Neill a month ago.
Meanwhile, at Ibrox, Röhl’s Rangers were not fun to watch but got results. In 11 Premiership matches, Rangers have won eight, drawn two and lost to leaders Hearts.
As this unpredictable season brings another unpredictable game, here’s what Aerial sports Chris Sutton and Kris Boyd had to say it as their former clubs clashed…
Sutton: Nancy hero or zero after Old Firm
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Wilfried Nancy insists he can turn things around at Celtic, despite disappointing defeat at Motherwell
Celtic came into Saturday’s game having lost 2-0 at Motherwell, meaning Nancy’s side once again missed the chance to level on points with leaders Hearts.
After four defeats in his first four matches, the Frenchman led the club to back-to-back victories before Christmas. However, this defeat at Fir Park means rivals Rangers are now within striking distance and could level the points with a win at Celtic Park.
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Russell Martin and Brendan Rodgers were in charge the last time the Old Firm met in the league
“If you think about Wilfred Nancy, this game is hero or zero,” Sutton said. “There are Celtic fans who are still completely unconvinced by him.
“However, if he wins, then it will be: ‘we believe in Wilf’. If he loses, it will be: ‘he’s a failure, get him out’.
“Wilf-ball is here to stay, he’s going to play that way. Celtic will be vulnerable at times. I just think it’s impossible to call.”
Celtic play a much higher defensive line under Wilfried Nancy, with the more advanced full-backs, and on average only leave one central defender in their half.
“Rangers will be disciplined against Celtic and I think they will just look to hit Celtic at the back,” he added. Warming up.
“I have no idea what’s going to happen on Saturday. Celtic could have a 30-minute period and win 4-1, but on the other hand you could see Rangers go for it, put on a decent rearguard show and then catch Celtic on the break.
“We went through a few years where you knew Celtic would win and it would be a cricket score. Now, because of the changes in management at both clubs and the fact they’re trying to find a style and a way of playing, I think it’s really fascinating.”
Boyd: Rangers not in title race | Sutton: Yes, they are!
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Danny Röhl talks about his team being involved in a title race and facing Celtic next
Rangers are the team with the most points in the Scottish Premiership since Röhl’s appointment in October.
Tuesday’s win over St Mirren, coupled with leaders Hearts not playing and Celtic losing at Motherwell, has left some fans believing they are firmly in the title race.
Rangers are the club with the most points since Danny Röhl took charge at Ibrox.
However, Boyd is not as convinced and said: “When I look at Rangers, my problem with the title race is that I can always see Hearts and Celtic winning more games than them.
“That’s why I think there’s no way to go back.”
However, Sutton disagrees and adds: “Rangers are always in a title race. I know you keep writing them off, but they have never been out of the title race because no one knows what Danny Röhl has up his sleeve in January.
“Also, another reason why Rangers are still in the title race, and why they never got out of it, is that this season is not like previous seasons, where we all expect Celtic to go on a 14-win streak.
“We can all see Celtic losing points. We can all see Hearts losing points too.”
