Since Philippe Clement came at Rangers, the games against Celtic have been exciting contests that could have turned out differently on another day.

Fine margins have been the difference between winning, losing, and drawing, and the manager will be hoping that luck is finally on his side – considering the injury list impacting his team, he deserves it.

What he also has to do is get his Rangers’ selection and tactics correct to avoid repeating his previous encounters with Celtic, and veteran Ibrox striker Mark Hateley believes the manager understands what he’s doing.
Mark Hateley gives Rangers Old Firm backing.
Hateley responded to Alan Brazil’s suggestion on Talksport Breakfast at 9:26am that Rangers must play on the front foot in order to succeed:

“Do you know what? I disagree with what you’ve just said.

“I think Rangers are better prepared to play away.

I believe that is why they have done so well in Europe over the last two or three seasons; they have traveled a long distance, they have been very effective defensively, and they may have one of Britain’s finest goalkeepers in Jack Butland, who has been terrific this season.

“Where Celtic have done well, they have simply exposed Rangers’ defensive flaws, which they did in the first game.

“Bang, bang 2-0 up on the right-hand side behind our top goalscorer Tav.”

Rangers need the Hateley mindset.
Hateley is right.

Rangers have been their own worst enemy in Celtic games for over three seasons, conceding goals left, right, and center.

Rangers, under Philippe Clement, have performed better when given more freedom to play, and Celtic will not be sitting in, especially at home.

The trick, like it was in Europe against Sparta Prague, Real Betis, and Benfica, is striking the correct mix between defense and attack.

Celtic, like other clubs, has tremendous pace up front, and pace thrives in space.

Second balls must be won high in the park, and turnovers should be kept to a minimum.

The players must also believe in their ability to win, regardless of what the management does.

Mark Hateley headed to Parkhead with one goal in mind: winning.