The upcoming Celtic vs. Rangers clash at Ibrox is shaping up to be another classic encounter in one of football’s most intense and historically significant rivalries. As always, when these two giants of Scottish football meet, the stakes are high, but the current context gives the match even more significance. Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, are in exceptional form, sitting a commanding 14 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Their recent performances have reinforced their dominance over their Glasgow rivals, with a stunning penalty shootout victory in the League Cup final just the latest in a series of triumphs. This has left Rangers fans and players with a sense of growing frustration and resignation, especially given the recent poor performances that have further deepened the gap between the two sides.

Celtic have now dominated Rangers for an extended period, and every encounter between the two teams seems to end with the same result: a win for Celtic. Whether it’s a change in management, a dip in form, or even Rangers taking the lead, Celtic have always found a way to come out on top. The psychological advantage is firmly with Celtic, who have been relentless in their pursuit of titles under Rodgers, while Rangers have struggled to keep up.

Kris Boyd, a former Rangers striker, expressed his fears ahead of the match and gave a candid assessment of the situation. Boyd acknowledged that Rangers fans are in a “negative” frame of mind heading into the game, fueled by recent defeats, such as the loss to St Mirren, and disappointing draws, like the one against Motherwell. Rangers’ struggles have been compounded by questions surrounding Philippe Clement’s ability to turn things around and make the necessary changes to bridge the gap with Celtic. Boyd’s comments reflect the growing sense of doom within the Rangers camp, where the feeling seems to be that the league title is effectively out of reach, regardless of the outcome of Thursday’s game.

Boyd took it a step further, warning that if Celtic were to score first, the atmosphere inside Ibrox could turn ugly. He predicted that the mood among the 51,000 Rangers supporters would quickly turn hostile, with many fans already angry before a ball is even kicked. If Celtic were to take the lead early on, Boyd believes it could spark a toxic atmosphere, adding further pressure on the Rangers players. The stakes for the game are clear: if Rangers lose, the gap between the two clubs will remain insurmountable, and their hopes of closing the gap in the Premiership will be dashed for another season. Boyd’s statement that “the league is over” reflects the growing sense of inevitability that Celtic will once again finish the season as champions.

The prospect of an early Celtic goal is particularly worrying for Rangers fans, given their recent inability to cope with the pressure in key matches. In April, Celtic managed to score within the first 20 seconds of the game at Ibrox, with Daizen Maeda netting a quick-fire goal that set the tone for the match. Maeda’s goal was a reminder of Celtic’s ability to take control of these high-stakes fixtures early, and he will no doubt be looking to add to his tally when the teams meet again on Thursday. With Celtic’s attacking prowess and their ability to control games, the early stages of the match could be crucial in determining the outcome.

Celtic’s current form, combined with the contrast in how both teams are performing, has only fueled the narrative of one-way dominance. Rangers, under Philippe Clement, have struggled to assert themselves, with tactical changes and inconsistent performances leaving fans disillusioned. Rangers’ fans had hoped for a challenge to Celtic’s supremacy, but with each passing week, it seems increasingly likely that Celtic’s grip on the title will only strengthen.

However, while Celtic are dominating domestically, Rangers are stuck in a state of flux, and the growing frustration within the Ibrox faithful could lead to a volatile atmosphere at their home ground. Rangers fans are known for their passionate support, but if they feel that Celtic have taken control of the game early, the pressure and negativity could spiral, creating a toxic environment inside Ibrox. Boyd’s prediction of a “nasty” atmosphere if Celtic score first is a testament to just how high emotions run in this fixture. It’s more than just a football match; it’s a battle for supremacy, with bragging rights and the title on the line.

The match also carries significant symbolism when it comes to the relationship between the two clubs, particularly in regard to the absence of away fans at Ibrox. For years, Celtic fans have been able to visit Ibrox in large numbers, creating an electric atmosphere and adding to the intensity of the match. However, since 2018, Rangers have stopped allowing a significant away contingent into their stadium, a decision that was initially taken for safety reasons but has since become a point of contention between the clubs. Rangers’ decision to reduce the number of Celtic fans allowed into the stadium has become a source of frustration for Celtic, as Rodgers has expressed. He stated earlier this season that the issue isn’t a “Celtic-Rangers thing” but rather a “Rangers thing,” as the decision to limit away fans was made solely by Rangers. Rodgers reiterated that Celtic have done their part to ensure safety and meet the requirements but felt that it was ultimately Rangers’ responsibility to resolve the situation. This ongoing issue only adds to the tension surrounding this fixture, with the absence of away fans potentially robbing the match of some of the color and atmosphere that have traditionally made these encounters so special.

Despite the absence of Celtic fans in the stands at Ibrox, the intensity and drama of the match are sure to make it a spectacle. With Celtic seeking to extend their dominance and Rangers desperate to salvage some pride, Thursday’s clash is sure to be a highly charged affair. Both teams will know that the result could have a lasting impact on their season, but for Celtic, it’s another chance to demonstrate their supremacy in the Scottish Premiership. For Rangers, it’s a crucial opportunity to salvage some dignity and show that they can still compete with their rivals.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Ibrox, and with Celtic riding high and Rangers struggling to find their feet, it’s hard to see anything other than another victory for the reigning champions. But as always in this rivalry, anything can happen, and the outcome will no doubt fuel the fierce debates and discussions that follow the game. What’s certain is that this Glasgow Derby will once again capture the imagination of football fans everywhere, as two of Scotland’s most storied clubs meet with everything on the line.