Rangers face a 'tall order' to get a win over Celtic - but the Sportscene panel reckon that's only natural for Michael Beale's Ibrox project.
Ange Postecoglou's champions have motored ahead in the title race and are nine points clear of their rivals ahead of next Monday's derby at Ibrox. They won 4-0 in imperious fashion away at Hibs as Rangers coasted past Motherwell 3-0, although some criticisms of disjointed play still cropped up for the new manager.
Former Light Blues man Richard Foster says Celtic deserve all the credit at the minute, but progress each game is the real barometer of success for now. When asked if Celtic were heavy favourites, Foster replied: "You have to. Give them the respect they deserve. They are playing so well at the moment and scoring goals freely. Rangers are a work in process as their manager suggests. For them to get back in the title race this season is going to be very difficult.
"But for Michael Beale, it's a process. As long as game on game they are getting improvements, then they are heading in the right direction. But it's still a tall ask to beat Celtic."
Fellow pundit Stuart Kettlewell shares similar sentiments, and reckons that there appears a clear winner, even in a fixture known for drama.
Kettlewell added: "You hear Michael Beale speaking of Rangers being a work in process, which I think we would agree with. I think you have to make Celtic heavy favourites even if the game's at Ibrox.
"We know this fixture can throw up all sorts of surprises. But you see how fluid Celtic are moving forward, and the chances Rangers have given up under Michael Beale, would suggest Celtic are favourites."
