Celtic travel to Ibrox this Sunday in what is arguably the biggest game of their season to date.

The Hoops know they cannot afford to lose the game but having beaten Rangers twice in two attempts this season, fans rightly have a sense of encouragement going into the game.

Their prior track record in derbies under Brendan Rodgers combined with a growing number of injury returns and squad availabilities means there is more confidence within the ranks than a few weeks ago.

Assistant manager John Kennedy admitted that the increasing numbers to choose from is providing the team with added belief and momentum at a critical point in the season.

A win on Sunday would only increase the confidence within the camp, and former Celtic hero and now pundit Chris Sutton thinks that if the league leaders start the game well, Ibrox, and the home fans, will turn hostile.

Such a mood would only be of benefit to the Celts. “It’s easy playing at Celtic and Rangers when things are going well”, he said (live on Sky Sports via Glasgow Times).

“Rangers only need a dodgy start at Ibrox on Sunday – a poor 30 minutes where Celtic can take the lead – and then they’ll all be hammering the players! Just wait and see.”