Charlie Nicholas has predicated a grim outcome for Celtic and Rangers ahead of huge midweek Champions League clashes.
Ange Postecoglou's men host RB Leipzig at Parkhead later this evening knowing that nothing less than three points will be enough in their bid to reach the last 16 stage. The Hoops have just one point from three games but face two huge home clashes under the lights with the Bundesliga side and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Influential skipper Callum McGregor is ruled out with his absence branded as a 'major blow' while key man Jota is a doubt after missing training yesterday. It's a big 90 minutes for Celtic but Nicholas believes they will fall short of the win - with a goal feast in Glasgow to end in a share of the spoils.
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He wrote in the Daily Express: "Celtic and Rangers are about to play defining matches in their Champions League sections and I expect both teams to fail over the next two days.
"Ange Postecoglou's side need to beat RB Leipzig at Parkhead tonight to put themselves in contention to get the last-16 place for finishing second in Group F.
"However, the loss of captain Callum McGregor is such a major blow. There is no replacement because he brings such different qualities to the team.
"There is a rhythm and a fluency about his play and he protects the ball better than anyone else. He is going to be sorely missed.
"Matt O'Riley was used in a deeper role at St Johnstone on Saturday but the balance is off without McGregor and that's why I don't think Celtic will take three points from the Germans.
"Leipzig have dangerous players up front with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, who is so quick, and Andre Silva.
"They also have clever midfield players but they are vulnerable at the back, so it has all the makings of being a really entertaining game.
"I wouldn't be surprised if the attacking flair of each side and their defensive frailties even themselves up on the night.
"That's why I'm predicting a 2-2 draw - but a point won't be enough for Celtic to take into their penultimate game against Shakhtar Donetsk in a fortnight."
Rangers are yet to get off the mark in both the points and goals column in the Champions League to date with three defeats and nine goals conceded.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men went down 2-0 against Liverpool at Anfield last week in the first Battle of Britain showdown with Allan McGregor putting in a stunning display.
Ex-Celtic striker Nicholas expects Jurgen Klopp's men - despite their domestic struggles - to pick up all three points at Ibrox and make it four group stage defeats on the spin for the Ibrox men.
He added: "While the Hoops can still land a Europa League last-32 spot by finishing third, I think Rangers' hopes of that parachute place will be extinguished after tomorrow's game against Liverpool at Ibrox.
"I just can't see Giovanni van Bronchkhorst's side getting anything from the Reds. With Serie A leaders Napoli and Dutch giants Ajax also in the section, there's no doubt Rangers ended up in the group of death.
"As soon as the draw was made I felt there was only a very slight chance of finishing third at best. The Ibrox men must take at least a point tomorrow if they are to have any hopes of remaining in Europe beyond Christmas.
"Rangers will need to have a go in front of their own fans but that will just invite Jurgen Klopp's side to pick them off. Still, they might as well be bold and lose 3-1 or 4-1 rather be as tame as they were at Anfield last week."
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