Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon believes that the battle in midfield between Callum McGregor and John Lundstram could be the key contest during Monday’s derby match.

The Scottish champions head to Ibrox with a nine point advantage over their league rivals and many believe the pressure is all on Michael Beale’s side to get a result due to the gap which Ange Postecoglou’s side have created.

It is set up to be an absolute cracker as both sides have won every game since returning after the World Cup and if Celtic can manage another win, it would be a long way back for title challengers Rangers which is also the opinion of former Celtic captain and manager Neil Lennon who reckons that if the league leaders leave with all three points they will once again be champions.

Callum McGregor is a player Lennon knows very well from his second stint at the club and believes the battle in midfield could define this game.

“You have to say the title race is over if Celtic win the game,” said Neil Lennon speaking to Football Odds.

“12 points is a lot, and if Celtic win the momentum will all be with them. Celtic have not been great in terms of the games earlier on, however when building up to these games, the Old Firm will always be at the back of everybody’s mind.

“They’ll go into the game with confidence and if they win, there’s not stopping them. If Rangers win though, the gap will only be six points and they will believe that the title race is still on.

“The midfield battle will always be vital in a derby of that nature. Celtic have had the better of it since Ange has come in, and I think it is because they’ve looked better in midfield during the majority of the games.

“The battle between McGregor and Lundstram will be pivotal for both teams. Rangers will have to find a way to stop Celtic’s flow and fluidity. They will have to try and break up Celtic’s rhythm.

“The game is all on Rangers though as they cannot afford to lose this game. If they lose, the title race is over as they will never make up a twelve point gap at this stage of the season. Celtic’s mentality in these games has also been excellent though, and their style of football could cause Rangers problems.

“Everything hinges on January 2nd. Psychologically, if he wins it, Rangers can move forward and it will give them a huge lift.

“If they lose though, it will become close to impossible for them to catch Celtic. I don’t think he will be judged on one game though, and we will have to see where Rangers are at the end of the season.”

The Hoops look like such a better team since McGregor has returned from injury and he knows what these games are all about.

Aaron Mooy’s performance at Easter Road has also given the manager a bit of a headache as to who else plays in midfield as it is expected that Josip Juranovic will return in defence which will move Reo Hatate back into the trio in the middle.