Scottish rivals locked in familiar struggle

Celtic and Rangers return to action this weekend with just goal difference separating them at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

Rangers had moved two points clear of their rivals following their triumph in the Old Firm derby last Saturday, but held their lead for just 72 hours.

Celtic’s midweek 2-1 win over Dundee United coupled with Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Hibernian means the Parkhead side sit top again with a superior goal difference of two.

The title will now go down to the last day of the season and if both sides win their last two games then goal difference will decide the destination of the title as in it did in 2003 when Rangers clinched the championship by just one goal.

However, David Weir insists making sure the Gers win their matches is more important than aiming for high scorelines and the Rangers captain said there could be more twists and turns in the final two games.

“Who knows what will happen next? We’ve got to go and win on Saturday morning, that’s the next step,” Weir said.

“We’ve got a tough game against Aberdeen so we have got to go and do a job there. That’s the priority. We’ve got to win our games and see where that takes us as that will be tough enough.

“Aberdeen always give us a hard game so we’ve got to get on form and win the game and anything else is a bonus.”

Kenny Miller may be missing again for Walter Smith’s side with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Celtic midfielder Marc Crosas has told his teammates to make the most of Rangers’ result which has handed them a lifeline in the championship race.

The Spaniard is delighted his side’s fate is now back in their own hands again after it looked like their Old Firm defeat had cost them the title.

Now he wants to ensure there are no more slip-ups starting with their game against Hibs on Sunday.

“Every game at this stage is extremely difficult and we were hoping Rangers would make a mistake in their final three games,” said the former Barcelona youth player.

“Now, of course, that has happened. It’s great news for us. We’ve made up ground on them in a short space of time and are now back at the top of the table. Now we must ensure we stay there.

“Our aim is to win our last two games against Hibs and Hearts and, if we can score goals then, of course that might be important, but taking six points from the two matches is crucial.

“The last time we faced Hibs at their stadium we lost the game and that was disappointing. This time we must achieve a better scoreline.”

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will be without captain Stephen McManus, Barry Robson and Mark Wilson for the title run-in due to long-term injuries for the match.

Mixu Paatelainen’s Hibs side only have pride to play for as they can no longer finish in a European spot but will take heart from their 2-0 win over Celtic at Easter Road in December.

In Saturday’s other games Hearts welcome Dundee United to Tynecastle in the battle for third place.

Falkirk and St Mirren clash in a vital match with John Hughes’ side sitting one point above the Buddies in the battle against relegation.

Hamilton and Motherwell meet in the Lanarkshire derby while Kilmarnock host Inverness Caledonian Thistle at New Douglas Park.

Fixtures (1400 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Falkirk v St Mirren, Hamilton v Motherwell, Hearts v Dundee United, Kilmarnock v Inverness CT, Rangers v Aberdeen (1130)

Sunday

Hibernian v Celtic (1200)