Derek McInnes will manage his first Old Firm derby on Sunday when Rangers host Celtic in a pivotal Premier Sports Cup quarter-final following their early European exit.
A Europa League elimination to Jagiellonia Bialystok and a Conference League play-off defeat to Jablonec ensures Rangers will not play continental group-stage football this term. The early exit dramatically increases the pressure to secure domestic silverware against an unbeaten Celtic squad.
The hosts must pursue a semi-final spot despite a depleted attacking unit, meaning McInnes relies heavily on striker Bojan Miovski. Securing a positive result will also require a disciplined performance from defender Olwethu Makhanya.
Temporary Away Supporter Ban
An administrative decision from football authorities guarantees Ibrox will exclusively hold home fans this weekend. Speaking to BBC Sport, McInnes outlined his strategy to harness the partisan crowd.
“I think it’s important that we tap into having that 50,000 behind us and be behind the players, support them, have their backs, not be on their backs and really make it as tough for Celtic as possible,” he said.
A joint operational statement published by The Independent noted the “temporary arrangement” covers all upcoming fixtures between the rivals to facilitate a thorough safety review.
The two clubs face each other again next Sunday in a Scottish Premiership fixture at Celtic Park.
