Chris Wilder labels Celtic vs Rangers 'biggest derby in Europe' as first hand experience blows him away

Chris Wilder admits his Old Firm crash course only served to reinforce his belief the collision of Glasgow’s big two is the biggest occasion in European football.

The Watford boss was a wide-eyed spectator during the Viaplay Cup Final in February and he’s adamant this weekend’s derby could define an entire campaign where failure isn’t an option. After being blown away by his Hampden experience which saw the Hoops claim the first silverware of the season, Wilder is convinced the outcome of Saturday’s Premiership clash could reignite the title race for Rangers as they look to haul back a nine point deficit as well as strike a psychological blow ahead of a Scottish Cup semi-final between the pair at the end of this month.

He said: “Rangers will anticipate a big performance on Saturday, they haven’t had a great record at Celtic Park but a win this weekend can alter the pessimism about their chances of pulling back Celtic in the league title race. It’s only been a few weeks since they lost a cup final to their fiercest rivals in their own city and the emotions which go with that will have lingered. It’s not something which is going to be accepted easily and neither should it be.

“We also have our own rivalries in football and we understand them very well. I’m not from Glasgow but I know the deal with the Old Firm rivalry historically and these are huge occasions for the people who care.

“This is the biggest derby, every fan in football understands the importance of their own derby but this is the biggest game around, certainly when you look around, it’s the biggest derby certainly in European football. That’s my belief but I don’t know how other people see it.

“I have a lot of friends north of the border who anticipate this