Celtic will travel to Ibrox for the first Glasgow derby of the season on August 31, with the fixture arriving early enough to set the tone for the title race. It presents Brendan Rodgers’ side with a brilliant chance to stamp their authority and remind Rangers who’s in charge in Scottish football.
The early-season clash could offer the Hoops the ideal platform to build momentum and apply pressure in the race for top spot. A win at Ibrox would not only secure bragging rights but send out a clear message about Celtic’s intent to defend their crown.
While Celtic supporters will be eyeing the fixture with anticipation, Russell Martin, the newly appointed Rangers head coach, has tried to play down the timing and significance of the match. He’s chosen to focus on the games leading up to it rather than getting drawn into derby hype.
Martin’s comments won’t change how Celtic approach the fixture. The Hoops know exactly what’s at stake, and with a settled squad under Rodgers, they’ll be aiming to take full advantage of the first derby being away from home.
Martin said: (Sky Sports), “I’m not sure it does [matter when the Rangers face Celtic]. I think we expected it to be early. It usually is, but we have a lot of games to focus on before then, and a lot of work to do before then.
“But of course, they’re exciting games. They’re special games. But as I said, we have games before that, and every game is going to be so important.”
Regardless of Martin’s words, Celtic know exactly how significant a win at Ibrox would be. It’s a chance to quieten the noise around Rangers’ new era before it gathers any momentum. With a confident group and Rodgers back at the helm, Celtic will be looking to lay down a marker.
The fixture could come at a perfect time. With new faces still settling across the city, Celtic’s stability could prove a real asset. An early derby win would add to their dominance and give them the psychological edge heading into the autumn.
For the support, it’s a fixture that never needs hyping, but the fact it arrives in August only adds to the intrigue. Celtic will be determined to show that, regardless of who’s in the opposition dugout, they remain the team to beat in Scotland.
Martin may want to focus on the weeks before the derby, but Celtic fans won’t be looking past it. A win at Ibrox early doors would be more than just three points, it would be a clear signal that they’re still leading the way.
