Michael Beale can't afford Rangers derby defeat as flames are licking his feet after brutal PSV beating – Chris Sutton

Brendan Rodgers looked as if he may be the one going into the showdown under the bigger scrutiny. But, after events in Europe, I now believe it’s Michael Beale who is under the cosh with much more to lose.

It was going to be a big day for the pair of them anyway. Rewards for success or repercussions for failure are always there. That never changes. Levels, though, can crank up through circumstance. It is actually more infirm than Old Firm at the moment because both sides go into the match weaker than at this stage than a year ago. No doubt Rodgers hasn’t got Celtic going yet but he’s just at the start of his second spell.

With that in mind Beale has got to be the one under serious strain after that Champions League nightmare. His team were absolutely walloped in Eindhoven by PSV. It was a brutal beating. Sure Rangers have a revamped team, but it’s not like the manager has just walked in the door. Beale had 23 league games last season. This isn’t a new boss still getting his feet under the table. He’s well past the point of grace periods.

It’s no disgrace not to make the Champions League groups. PSV were a tough assignment but the manner of the loss was sobering. Beale can’t really afford to lose on Sunday. Rodgers has his own issues and spotlight but despite some dissenters within the support he’s the one with more wriggle room. This is a new start for him after returning and now he’s got late-window signings in, it’s time for him to make his first real statement in spell two at Celtic. Take a look at the Premiership table this morning and Celtic are top, but we all know that’s not the whole story.

It’s not been the smoothest of transitions for Rodgers back into the job. Far from it. The warning signs that were