Glasgow Derby Preview – the Rangers can’t defend while Celtic can’t score

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The Celtic Star

·30 de agosto de 2025

Glasgow Derby Preview – the Rangers can’t defend while Celtic can’t score

In the midst of the Champions League fallout and Celtic’s bizarre approach to a transfer window due to conclude on Monday, it’s a strange old situation to see far more column inches set aside for post-mortems of Europe’s exit and the club’s desperate attempts to shut the transfer window stable door after the Champions League horse has already bolted. Yet here we are.

Brendan Rodgers arrives at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

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And yet, for all that upheaval, the equation is simple enough. Should Celtic win at Ibrox on Sunday, we would incredibly move nine points ahead of our city rivals after only four league games. Quite remarkable, really.

But confidence isn’t bristling at Celtic Park. Meanwhile, the Russell Martin “revolution” across the city has looked exactly what it is – a huge turnover of players barely on nodding terms, expected to gel instantly in league matches and Champions League qualifiers. That gives Celtic hope, though Brendan Rodgers has his own worries.

Back-to-back goalless draws for Celtic, coupled with heavy defeats for theRangers in Europe, have had this weekend’s derby described in less than flattering terms. Conor Spence of this parish labelled it “a match between a team who can’t score and a team who can’t defend.” Another called it “the movable object against the resistible force.” Perhaps most amusingly, one likened it to “two bald men fighting over a comb.”

Celtic supporters at Ibrox theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Derbies are often endured rather than enjoyed, but this one feels like it’s come too early for both squads. A draw seems the obvious outcome, yet if Celtic can summon attacking impetus, the scales could tip our way.

That’s why the signing of Michel-Ange Balikwisha may prove significant. And why it must be tempting for Rodgers to throw him straight in for a debut at Ibrox. It wouldn’t be the first time—Alistair Johnston’s Celtic debut also came at Ibrox.

At his press conference on Friday, Rodgers was asked directly about the new arrival. “It’s great. We’re getting a player in the building that we’ve seen for a period of time over the last year, and I like his talent and I think he’s got that skill set to play for Celtic, you know, he’s an exciting player who works very, very hard. I’m delighted to get him in.

We have Marcelo Saracchi (loan signing left back from Boca) in the building as well, so hopefully that’ll be that’ll be all agreed and signed off within a matter of hours (that signing has since been confirmed). He gives us that cover that we need for Kieran Tierney in his position.

“And I’m very hopeful that we can, you know, close the window out over the next few days with getting the signings that’s going to give us that real depth in the squad that we need.”

Asked how he felt about Balikwisha making an impact on Sunday, Rodgers was positive. “Yeah, he’s been playing. He’s obviously fit and strong and he’s been playing games. So, he’s ready-made to play if needed.”

The truth is clear—he is needed. With no Kyogo and no replacement, no Nicolas Kühn and no replacement, and the long wait for news of a Jota replacement dragging since April, Celtic’s attacking options are painfully limited. Now we have a player to fill that Jota-shaped void, it would be daft not to throw him in at Ibrox.

Balikwisha is match-fit, having started the season strongly with Royal Antwerp. He can play either wing, or in one of the advanced central roles. The options are few, and Celtic’s need is great. Daizen Maeda must start. Rangers’ high line—often stationed 50 yards from their own goal—begs to be exploited on the counter, and Maeda’s pace is the obvious weapon. Slotting Balikwisha in on the left would free Maeda to go through the middle.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 12 April 2025 IMAGO Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

That leaves the right wing as the big question. James Forrest and Yang both stake a claim, but there’s a temptation to start Benjamin Nygren. Meanwhile, in midfield, Arne Engels could join Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor, providing more defensive assurance.

Nygren is exciting, but his gambling instincts and lack of recovery don’t suit both sides of the No.8 role. Celtic can’t afford to leave themselves exposed in transition. Engels’ presence would ease that concern.

This will be tougher than some envisage. Rangers’ defensive structure looks mismatched to their personnel, but Celtic have not been punishing opposition mistakes lately. At the other end, their counter remains potent. Djeidi Gassama has impressed, Altman looks steady if unspectacular, and new signing Bojan Miovski—if fit—has a knack for scoring against Celtic. Rodgers’ backline will need to be on their guard.

Royal Antwerp FC v OH Leuven – Jupiler Pro League DEURNE, BELGIUM – AUGUST 10 : Balikwisha Michel-Ange forward of Royal Antwerp FC celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Antwerp FC and OH Leuven on August 10, 2025 in Deurne, Belgium, 10/08/2025 Deurne Belgium Photo: Gvg/ IMAGO

Even so, there is cause for belief. Celtic have the defenders to cope, and if Balikwisha starts, they gain an attacking dimension missing for weeks. It’s a baptism of fire debut, but worth the gamble.

If this derby really is “a team who can’t score against a team who can’t defend,” then the edge lies with the side who can add that spark of difference. Balikwisha on the left, Nygren on the right, and Maeda through the middle could be the formula to swing the contest Celtic’s way.

A win at Ibrox would not only be Celtic’s first of 2025 over theRangers—it would put us nine points clear after just four league matches. A staggering gap, so early. The opportunity cannot be wasted.

Niall J

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

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