Convinced Charlie Nicholas believes his former team Caeltic are title certainties if they win against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
But he is tipping Gio Van Bronckhorst 's side to avoid defeat in the top of the table tussle that will have both teams in the hunt with six games to go.
Nicholas is certain the "embarrassing" nature of Rangers' defeat to Ange Postecoglou's men means a reaction is a non-negotiable.
And he thinks league leaders Celtic "weren't fabulous" in the 3-0 romp back in February, rather their rousing finish to the first finish to the first half was enough to befuddle the Premiership champions.
Speaking in his Express column, Nicholas said: "If Rangers were to lose to Celtic in Sunday's high noon Old Firm showdown, then the Premiership title race would be all but over.
"It is a gigantic game for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's Gers side. They can't afford to lose at Ibrox. It would be very difficult for Rangers to fight back to retain the title, especially as it would leave them six points behind the Hoops with just six games to go.
"Yes, Rangers would still have the Europa League to aim for - but I think their title hopes would be over.
"Most of the pressure is on the defending champions.
"It is not just about the three-point gap because, even if Rangers were to win, Celtic would still be top on goal difference.
"It is the manner in which they were embarrassed at Celtic Park last month that will have stuck in the throats of Gers players and fans alike.
"Celtic weren't fabulous for much of that 3-0 victory at Parkhead. And you can also look back to the chance Joe Aribo had at 1-0. It's fine margins.
"Celtic then had a good 15 to 20 minutes that saw them kill the game.
"Rangers, under Van Bronckhorst that day, looked like they had changed tactics to try to combat Celtic's unpredictable style.
"Ryan Kent was poor and they really struggled without goal machine Alfredo Morelos.
"I have a feeling Aaron Ramsey could come into the mix on Sunday. He's done well in his last two games for Rangers and Wales.
"Does he start in this game? I've seen enough of him in an Arsenal jersey to know he can cause problems on the big occasion."
Nicholas believes long-term Celtic absentee Kyogo could feature, however, he would keep faith with goal hungry Giorgos Giakoumakis.
The 60-year-old is predicting a thriller and a result which will keep the title race going until with six games to go after Sunday's blockbuster.
He added: "As for Celtic, I'd start with Giorgos Giakoumakis up front - even if Kyogo Furuhashi is fit after his three-month lay-off.
"Giakoumakis isn't going to worry the Rangers defence with his pace but it could turn into a scrap, which would suit him. I expect Ange Postecoglou (above) to go with the Greek through the middle.
"Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada have pace on the flanks and they will trouble the Rangers defence.
"Plan B's in this match are not style or tactics, but bench options.
"It could be won or lost in the last 20 minutes, however.
"It is a difficult one for both bosses as they still have a couple of days before knowing if all their international players are fit.
"The big concern for Rangers is over whether Morelos - who wasn't with Colombia for their final World Cup qualifier in Venezuela - makes it after suffering a thigh injury while away.
"From what I've read, it looks likes he'll be fit and ready for Ibrox.
"Morelos probably knew he wouldn't start for Colombia and he would have been as well returning to Glasgow.
"I can't really separate these teams.
"But, if Rangers have Morelos, I can see it being a score draw - maybe 2-2.
"It would keep both teams ticking over. But, if Celtic win, the trophy will be heading back across the city."
For your chance to win HOME tickets to Cinch SPFL matches each week across ALL FOUR divisions just enter our competition below. You can enter once each week to be in with a chance of winning. If the form isn't working (CLICK HERE)...Good Luck!
