Rangers legend Mark Hataley believes now is the perfect time for his former side to be taking on Celtic.
The Old Firm derby takes place on Saturday as Glasgow's big two get set to lock horns for the second time this season.
Brendan Rodgers' side emerged victorious during the first derby encounter of the campaign back in September, as the Hoops enjoyed a strong start compared to Rangers' stuttering start.
Philippe Clement is unbeaten during his time as Ibrox boss since he replaced Michael Beale at the helm in early October.
Hateley, 62, believes that, while Rangers can't leapfrog their arch-rivals this weekend, they can take a huge step towards gunning for the Premiership crown with three points at Parkhead.
He told told NewBettingSites.uk: “Now is the best time of the season to play Celtic. Rangers are coming off the back of three games, conceding no goals, and winning all three – including winning a league cup off the back of qualifying for the Europa League last 16.
“The fortune of Ross County being cancelled, and giving players a rest over this festive period, is a big advantage for us. Philippe Clement may be frustrated that Rangers weren’t able to play but on the flip side of it, he’s got players with niggles who have had that extra break. Players would have had recuperation time over Christmas.
"A lot of key Rangers players carrying knocks can fully recharge before what will be a festive classic – and it’ll be a game that Rangers will walk into with great belief."
He continued: “Next month will be a league-defining month for us starting with the Old Firm derby, before an important cup match, and ending in late January with a string of games against tough opposition in St Mirren and Hibernian.
“Add in the fact we’ve got a January window where we can bring new players in, Rangers has got a big month ahead.”
