The Scottish Premier League will get off to a thrilling start in 2011 when Rangers and Celtic go head to head at Ibrox in a top of the table clash.
Celtic currently hold a two point lead at the top of the table, but have played two more games than Rangers thanks to freezing weather disrupting the schedule in Scotland.
Rangers will be hoping hard working midfielder Steven Naismith will be fit after pulling a hamstring in the 4-1 Boxing Day victory at Motherwell.
League leading goal scorer Kenny Miller will be fit and hoping to add to his 21 goal tally, but it remains to be seen who will partner him in the attack. Kyle Lafferty could return after recovering from a broken hand, while James Beattie remains an injury doubt.
Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist told BBC Sport that the ‘Gers will be looking to emulate their 3-1 win at Celtic earlier in the season. “We played particularly well in the first game at Celtic Park. I wouldn’t say we won it comfortably but we won it well and we are looking to do the same again.,” said McCoist.
Celtic will be without Scott Brown, who was sent off in their 1-0 midweek win over Motherwell. Olivier Kapo and Daryl Murphy will be sidelined with injury for the Hoops. Efrain Juarez and Georgios Samaras could make their returns to the starting lineup.
Celtic’s new signing Freddie Ljungberg will be included in the squad after his signing from the Chicago Fire. The former Arsenal and Sweden star spoke excitedly to BBC Sport about his return to Britain and the passion of the fans.
“What I missed was the passion for the sport,” said Ljungberg. “If you’re looking for passion then it’s here. There is great support. The fans and the passion are very good.”
Ljungberg should enjoy his first game because as far as passion and fan atmosphere goes, the Old Firm derby is as big as it gets.
Rangers will be hoping hard working midfielder Steven Naismith will be fit after pulling a hamstring in the 4-1 Boxing Day victory at Motherwell.
League leading goal scorer Kenny Miller will be fit and hoping to add to his 21 goal tally, but it remains to be seen who will partner him in the attack. Kyle Lafferty could return after recovering from a broken hand, while James Beattie remains an injury doubt.
Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist told BBC Sport that the ‘Gers will be looking to emulate their 3-1 win at Celtic earlier in the season. “We played particularly well in the first game at Celtic Park. I wouldn’t say we won it comfortably but we won it well and we are looking to do the same again.,” said McCoist.
Celtic will be without Scott Brown, who was sent off in their 1-0 midweek win over Motherwell. Olivier Kapo and Daryl Murphy will be sidelined with injury for the Hoops. Efrain Juarez and Georgios Samaras could make their returns to the starting lineup.
Celtic’s new signing Freddie Ljungberg will be included in the squad after his signing from the Chicago Fire. The former Arsenal and Sweden star spoke excitedly to BBC Sport about his return to Britain and the passion of the fans.
“What I missed was the passion for the sport,” said Ljungberg. “If you’re looking for passion then it’s here. There is great support. The fans and the passion are very good.”
Ljungberg should enjoy his first game because as far as passion and fan atmosphere goes, the Old Firm derby is as big as it gets.
