Derby trouncing for desperate Rangers would make pressure on Philippe Clement unbearable – Chris Sutton

The pressure is on in Glasgow. It’s majorly on Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday as Philippe Clement attempts to finally win an Old Firm game.

But it’s also on Brendan Rodgers and Celtic – to deliver in the Champions League. It’s been a hectic week with the last days of the transfer window and the European draws. And that’s all before we get down to the real nitty gritty of a Glasgow Derby. There should be no distractions on Sunday. The first encounter of the season is always psychologically huge – and you get the feeling this one even more so than usual.

There is pressure on both sides, of course, but when you consider the ramifications of victory or defeat, then you’ve got to think it’s even more important for Rangers to come through this unscathed. We all know Celtic have the stronger squad and, over the distance, it’s difficult to see Rangers stopping them in the league. But anything can happen on derby day – including a win for Clement’s men.

I don’t think it would change much of the overall picture in terms of the Premiership though apart from giving Rangers a much needed morale boost. On the flip side though, a heavy defeat could only add to the feeling of doom around the Ibrox club. A trouncing would make the pressure unbearable for the Rangers board and manager. Clement is already up against it. He’s failed to beat Celtic in five attempts and there won’t be much patience from supporters if he comes a cropper again, regardless of whether his hands have been tied or not.

I’ve never seen Gers fans so low and if it goes belly up again the anger levels will soar, given the carry on with Ibrox and the transfer window. I’m not reading too much into the 6-0 Ross County win, as much as it was needed. There is a