Neil Lennon says a battle between Callum McGregor and John Lundstram could define Monday's Celtic and Rangers match.
The former Hoops boss reckons it's do or die time for new Light Blues boss Michael Beale, despite a four-game winning run at the start of his reign. Ange Postecoglou's Celtic team are nine points clear at the top and Lennon thinks they will be champions again should they emerge victorious on January second at Ibrox.
A battle in the engine room will prove key to that though and speaking to Football Odds, the 46-year-old says it's a contest Rangers can't lose. Lennon explained: "You have to say the title race is over if Celtic win the game. 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."
