Chris Sutton blanks Celtic underdog tag but Rangers scenario elicits confession over Ibrox showdown

Chris Sutton wouldn't bite on Robbie Savage asking him if Celtic were underdogs for next week's Old Firm derby.

But he did confess that it's a game Brendan Rodgers' side must not lose. The champions head across the city with a slender one point lead at the top of the Premiership, although Rangers men have a game in hand against Dundee. Three points for the Hoops in Givan next Sunday will leave the Gers needing to beat the Dark Blues AND leave Parkhead with maximum points after the split, barring any unforeseen hiccups from the holders.

But a home win would send the Light Blues back to the summit, with the chance to increase the gap to five at Dens Park. That would need their rivals needing favours even with a home derby victory. On the BBC 606 phone in, caller Frank tagged Rodgers' troops as underdogs for the crunch title clash, although Sutton didn't go that far despite Savage's attempts to draw him on his former club's chances.

Frank: "I think we go in as very much underdogs in the way we've been playing this season. Rangers, without a doubt - and it break my heart to say it - are definitely playing far better under the present manager than they were under the great Michael Beale."

Savage: "Underdogs Chris. Do you think Celtic are underdogs"

Sutton: "Well, Frank makes a point that Rangers have got a game in hand and if they win that game in hand...the game at Ibrox is absolutely massive. Celtic can't lose this game, can they?"

Frank: "That's the point Chris. We can afford to draw because we've still got them at Parkhead. But we must not lose this game. We have to fundamentally forget this possession at all costs that the current manager seems to have endorsed, as opposed to Ange last season. If he takes the shackles