The old firm fear factor

[Doofer]

Looking at the celtic line up for there match against Braga last week, it didn't strike fear into me as the celtic teams of old. I think this season we shall see the old firm losing more games than before and the gap between them and the rest to be a lot shorter.

I hope ICT go all out to attack celtic next week, they have nothing to fear!

[lukemackay]

especially with mellon as celtics manager

[tokelyisvictorious]

Less fear than usual in the build-up, but there will still be the normal nervous knot in the stomach whenever they have a corner/free kick.

[Caley Stan]

Looking at the celtic line up for there match against Braga last week, it didn't strike fear into me as the celtic teams of old. I think this season we shall see the old firm losing more games than before and the gap between them and the rest to be a lot shorter.

I hope ICT go all out to attack celtic next week, they have nothing to fear!

Similar suggestions were being made last season but they came to nothing as Rangers strolled to the title finishing 24 points above 3rd place, losing just 3 games in the process. The Old Firm may be weaker than they were 5-10 years ago but then so is everyone else - there's less money in the Scottish game overall.

Is the gap narrowing? Maybe a little. 30+ point gaps between 1st and 3rd are less common now than the were in the recent past, but 20+ is still the norm.

That's not to say we won't beat Celtic in a one off game. Don't think we should attack them though. Keep it tight and sneak a goal on the break.

[starchief]

I watched Rangers v Newcastle today and they looked very impressive. Their big problem is so few players. But a solid defense and midfield. I expect more 1-0 wins for them without Boyd but can't see them losing many.

Celtic are completely dependent upon Hooper. If he can score, then Ledley and Juarez look as though they can provide. If not, they're vulnerable in defence. The Old Firm clashes will be a complete clash of styles.

It may all come down to who can avoid injuries.

[old caley girl]

personally I think the playing field is becoming more level and i can see the old firm being split by another team soon. however that does not mean that we can do this on our budget. I do think that we are capable as previously shown of taking points off the ugly sisters

[lukemackay]

i can see the same happening this seaso with rangers winning the league celtic 10+ points behind simply because celtic will be more vulnerable losing more games against teams like us

[RiG]

Realistically Rangers and Celtic should still walk this league. They might not be splashing the cash like they used to but financially they are on another planet compared to the rest of us and can obviously attract a better calibre of player. The fear factor might not be gone but it is diminishing.

[IMMORTAL HOWDEN ENDER]

Please tell me if I am becoming overconfident but the ONLY games this season where I feel that we may struggle to get anything are the Old Filth and the Arabs away - the rest are up fer grabs. Two points from the first two games would suffice.