On Sunday Brendan Rodgers will send out at a Celtic side with a once in a generation opportunity- beat a club from Ibrox and clinch the Scottish title.
When the fixtures were finally published a fortnight ago there was a chance that this situation could arise- after the weekend results it is reality. Celtic’s dream, Sevco’s nightmare.
The commitment of the Celtic squad can rightly be questioned this season but they certainly know what to do when the big occasions come around as seven wins out of seven at Pittodrie, Ibrox and Hampden confirms.
Season ticket holders haven’t had much to cheer this term with goal-less draws with Sevco, St Johnstone and Dundee still fresh in the mind.
On Sunday the players can make it a season to remember by turning on their Ibrox or Hampden form in front of over 50,000 Celtic fans.
In the early days of Brendan Rodgers’ reign largely the same group of players ended the Mark Warburton reign and created their own benchmark with an emphatic 5-1 victory.
Sunday’s match is about many things, Rodgers knows that more than most with that message coming through loud and clear this week at Lennoxtown in preparation for what can be a very special Celtic occasion.
CRAIG GORDON
Has proven his ability in fitness since returning to the side in the face of competition from Scott Bain.
Although recent derby matches have been very one sided he has pulled off a number of vital saves and certainly has the sign over Alfredo Morelos.
He’ll be looking forward to a quiet afternoon on Sunday but will be sharp and alert for any action that comes his way.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Has been in worrying form since the turn of the year- summed up by that sliced clearance at Hampden that came back off the crossbar.
Jack Hendry is exerting serious pressure even through he is being played out of position at right-back.
Lustig needs to put in some big performances in the remainder of the season if he isn’t to come back from the World Cup as back up to Hendry or Tony Ralston.
KRIS AJER
So far 2018 has been without question his year, he has barely put a foot wrong.
Like Tierney you can see him improving week by week with this fixture holding no fears for the young Norwegian.
He has still to enjoy his first Celtic goal, finding the net on Sunday would be very apt for the best defender on view in the defeat from Hibs.
DEDRYCK BOYATA
Has been very stable in recent weeks, recovering from his nightmare performance at Ibrox last month.
Ajer barely requires any mentoring allowing the Belgian to concentrate on his own game.
With Sevco coming to park the bus Boyata will see plenty of the ball, getting it moving quickly out of defence can ensure that the visiting defenders are tested in full.
KIERAN TIERNEY
This fixture will be one that he is looking forward to more than most, expect something special from the nominal defender.
There had been some noise from Ibrox about Danny Candeias but at Hampden that was snubbed out with the winger hauled off and heading down the tunnel in disgust.
Without Scott Sinclair KT has licence to bomb forward down the left, he’ll do that in a disciplined manner and look to link up with Callum McGregor to create the chances for others.
SCOTT BROWN
This is a game that the skipper will look forward to more than most, with each passing derby his influence on the match grows and grows.
Brown manages to inspire his own team-mates and spook opponents which becomes self perpetuating.
He knows the history, he knows the present and will ensure that no one is slacking as the hoops look to put the title issue to bed in style.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
Was given the hook at half-time against Hibs but has shown his worth and understanding of this fixture in the two recent wins at Ibrox and Hampden.
He doesn’t possess the attacking thrust of Stuart Armstrong but has plenty in his locker with no one likely to out muscle the French u-21 internationalist.
Of all the signings that Rodgers has made since his first transfer window none have made the same impact as Ntcham.
PATRICK ROBERTS
Could be given the chance to shine in place of James Forrest who hasn’t had the same impact in recent weeks.
The trickery of the on loan Manchester City winger will give Sevco’s packed defence more to worry.
Roberts can cut inside to great effect, this season hasn’t lived upto expectations but there is still enough time to sign off with some special memories.
TOM ROGIC
The specialist, the last time Sevco visited he was watching in a supporters club in Australia, since then he has scored at Ibrox and Hampden against the tribute act.
He manages to play behind the sole striker perfectly, popping up in areas that opponents struggle to pick up and capable of finding the net from any distance upto 30 yards out.
Alongside Moussa Dembele and Scott Brown he is the player that Sevco fear most, a factor that Brendan Rodgers will be keen to maximise.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Has become a master of this fixture with three goals in twelve months on top of influential performances.
There was a strong case for naming him as man of the match at Hampden but the Glasgow boy will always put the team before self publicity.
With Sevco certain to pack out their defence McGregor’s ability to pick out a pass and time his runs behind defenders will be invaluable.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Has had a hot and cold season but when this fixture comes along he never disappoints.
His first SPFL goals came in the 5-1 September 2016 hammering of Rangers with his two most recent displays showcasing his strength, confidence and finishing ability.
A summer of speculation awaits the former Fulham striker, there may not be too many more appearances at Celtic Park, only a fool would bet against him getting on the scoresheet.