Celtic's Scott Brown: Rangers Derby 'Changes the Game'
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Scottish Premiership: Celtic v Rangers
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes a win for the Scottish champions against arch-rivals Rangers on Sunday "changes the game" following a turbulent week for Martin O'Neill's side.
Recent Events:
- Rangers secured a 3-0 victory in last Sunday's Old Firm League Cup quarter-final.
- Celtic suffered a 3-1 Europa League defeat at home to Ferencvaros on Thursday.
- Celtic lead the Premiership by five points with a game in hand.
"If Celtic win and they're eight points clear, it changes the game," Brown stated on BBC Scotland's YouTube channel. "Can [Rangers] go to Celtic Park and replicate last week's performance?"
Brown praised Rangers manager Derek McInnes' tactical switch to a 3-5-2 formation and man-marking Celtic's front three in their previous derby encounter, describing it as a "very, very good" move. However, he questioned Celtic's tactical approach.
"Martin O'Neill when he was manager [from 2000-05], loved a 3-5-2 and it was fantastic to watch," Brown recalled. "But he doesn't have the same players now."
With Yang Hyun-jun on Asian Games duty, Brown highlighted Celtic's need for alternative wingers like Sebastian Tounekti and James Forrest, suggesting they struggle when Callum McGregor is marked closely. He emphasized the importance of a strong start by Celtic in the derby.
"Rangers were up for the fight," he concluded. "If you can win that battle in the first 15 minutes, you can get the ball down."