Brian Laudrup says an aggressive approach could be the key to Rangers beating Celtic on January 2nd - although he's not sure whether they have it in them or not.
The Ibrox favourite is keen to see Michael Beale emerge triumphant in his first derby clash since returning to the club as boss. He was assistant to Steven Gerrard as the club went on a seven-game unbeaten run against their rivals and believes and in-your-face approach was key to Rangers earning so much derby success, which helped deliver the 2021 Premiership trophy.
Ange Postecoglou's men are nine points clear in first at the moment and a victory for them at Ibrox could prove fatal to a Light Blues title push. But while focus will be on beating Motherwell this midweek, Laudrup writes in his Daily Mail column that his former side have to rejuvenate their title bid. He said: "What winning gives you is confidence and momentum. Rangers have made a good statement by winning three on the trot and they will be hoping to make it four out of four against Motherwell at home.
"Then the goal is to beat Celtic in the New Year Old Firm clash at Ibrox on Monday and cut the gap to six points. Or, you never know, the gap could even be less if Celtic drop points against Hibs at Easter Road.
"When it comes to the upcoming Old Firm game, I would like to see Rangers going back to dominating Celtic like they did a year back. In most of those games, they looked sharp and they went for the high press.
"They were unlucky at times not to win but, in terms of controlling matches against Celtic, they looked really good. I'd like to see Rangers impose their own style of play against Celtic and totally dominate at home.
"When Beale was last at Ibrox as assistant to Gerrard, Rangers had a good record in the fixture. Even in the League Cup final at Hampden in December 2019, where Celtic won 1-0, Rangers totally dominated and their rivals scored the winner against the run of play.
"That was one of the craziest games I've seen, but Rangers won six and drew one of the next seven Old Firm matches. That's exactly the kind of dominant performance Beale would like to get out of Rangers against Celtic.
"He knows that, when Celtic are put under pressure, they don't look as comfortable as they like to be. Celtic have also won their three games since the World Cup break but they didn't look so convincing against Aberdeen and Livingston before beating St Johnstone 4-1.
"Whether Rangers have that kind of dominant Old Firm display in them right now is the big question. It's still early days under Beale but it's something I would like to see.
"It's going to be a real test of nerves at Ibrox on January 2. There could be real drama and if Rangers can win, it would breathe fresh life into the title race.
"Those three points up for grabs at Ibrox at the start of the new year are the most important three points of the season. If Rangers are to have any hope of catching Celtic, it's an absolute must-win game."
