It's all FUN and games in the build up to an Old Firm derby. But now we're down to the deadly serious business. Brendan Rodgers says his claim that Celtic were going to "have a bit of fun" against Rangers was nothing more than a throwaway line following last week's win over Hearts at Parkhead.
But Rangers manager Philippe Clement was irked by it and responded 24 hours later by saying it was disrespectful towards his team.
Was the Belgian using it to light a fire under his team? He certainly needs to do something to change the derby narrative. The Ibrox boss urged his players to be like Gladiators in the Colosseum when they walk out at a pumped-up Parkhead with no away fans.
His Gladiators will certainly need to be ready unlike the last derby where they conceded after just 21 seconds! Celtic go into the game three points and five goals ahead with three games left in the Scottish Premiership title race.