Rangers fans get whiff of Brendan Rodgers panic as Hotline cynics declare Celtic mind games means one thing

Old Firm fever is gripping the Hotline as the temperature rises ahead of this weekend's massive Premiership title showdown.

It's not quite winner takes all, but Celtic can probably start planning the end of season party if they come out on top. Rangers have to light the touch paper with a win or their hopes will likely go up in smoke. The heat is on the challengers after failing to take advantage of their rivals' slip ups and their own games in hand.

And Philippe Clement has been urged to stay in the shade in the wake of his recent "disrespect" accusations towards Brendan Rodgers. Tam Williamson, Lanarkshire, said: "No matter the outcome in Paradise on Saturday the weather forecast is 'sunny and hot' so Big Phil should put his hood up to protect himself from sunstroke as after his confused mutterings about Brendan Rodgers it is obvious that he is showing all the early symptoms of the condition?? In fact it would be safer to stay out of the sun Phil and watch the game from behind your settee at home as Wee Barry will be doing likewise!"

Scott Mcadam, Partick, emailed: "Clement does look like a man feeling the pressure. What's he going to be like when Celtic win on saturday? Other Rangers managers have not beaten Celtic in last few seasons so I don't see the difference with him. Another defeat should be pushing him to the trap door.

However, Rodgers' confidence is a sign of his hidden fear ahead of the big one, according to Dr Robert Pender. He said: "All his talking up his team shows signs of insecurity and panic. A little Foot and mouth disease. Everytime he opens his mouth he puts his feet in it’’

The fans are apparently getting ahead of themselves. Mark Smith, Cumbernauld, emailed: "Judging by recent Hotline