Sir Kenny Dalglish: Home advantage gives Celtic edge going into clash

Approaching the start of February, it’s unusual that we’ve only had one Old Firm game so far this season.

That, of course, will all change on Wednesday night when both sides face each other at Parkhead.

It’s an eagerly-awaited clash and one that I’m really looking forward to.

Most people say that the form book goes out of the window for a derby game and I think, on the whole, that can be true.

Right now, though, there isn’t much between the teams in terms of results and performances.

But I would have Celtic down as slight favourites to win this match.

I watched them against Hearts last midweek and they were impressive. They knocked the ball about well and played at a very high tempo.

They were a bit zapped of energy for a chunk of the second half but they defended well.

You could argue they were a wee bit fortunate to get the three points since Liam Boyce missed a penalty kick to make it 2-2.

But I do think Ange Postecogu’s men were worthy winners.

There is a real organisation about the Celtic team and a recognisable pattern of play. It’s clear to see they work on things during the week in training.

Credit to Ange for his coaching and managerial skills. He took over Celtic when they were in the depths of despair but he turned it around very quickly.

He has also been brilliant at recruitment.

Another one of his signings, Reo Hatate, scored an outstanding goal, the kind of strike that gets spectators up off their seats.

Maybe Craig Gordon would feel disappointed to have conceded from almost 30 yards out, but it was a very powerful strike.

To go to Tynecastle and win without Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda speaks volumes for the talent in the squad.

New signing Matt O’Riley looks a proper player and I was also impressed with Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Giakoumakis has had his time at Celtic constantly interrupted by injury but he is really looking the part.

He had a great finish against Alloa in the Scottish Cup last weekend and followed it up with another brilliant execution on Wednesday.

He has sort of burst on to the scene in the past week or so, and he could very well end up making a right name for himself in the Old Firm game.

If he is handed the centre-forward role by Ange, then the Greek striker looks to have it in his locker to be a potential matchwinner.

But Rangers, for sure, will have other ideas. They are without Alfredo Morelos but boosted by the return of Joe Aribo.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst (inset) has options and he’ll be delighted to have brought in Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United.

Diallo is a winger with huge potential and it wouldn’t surprise me if he plays in midweek.

Having lost Ianis Hagi to injury for the season, it’s very exciting to bring in a player of Diallo’s quality very quickly.

Giovanni will be delighted his team will go to the other side of Glasgow on top of the league. That is a massive boost for starters.

This is his first game against Celtic as manager of Rangers and he will be looking forward to the tactical battle against Ange.

Giovanni has also impressed me since he took over from Steven Gerrard.

Steven was revered for what he delivered at Ibrox but the Dutchman slipped in and carried on the excellent work.

The players are doing well for him and Scott Arfield’s winner against Livingston last midweek was an absolute delight.

All in all, it is a game of mouthwatering proportions.

Managers, coaches, players, supporters and pundits will all be desperate for Wednesday to come around.

It’s never wise to choose a winner, but I think home advantage gives Celtic the edge as we head into the game.

But only time will tell.

And with the transfer window not closing until tomorrow, there might be one or two twists and turns to come that might make a difference on Wednesday.