Opinion: Celtic could face three huge Glasgow derbies in short period

Celtic’s last game against Rangers, the 3-0 win at the start of February, was one of the Hoops’ best performances of the season. The Bhoys dominated the game to go top of the Premiership table, and the Hoops are still at the top of the league with eight league games left this season.

YouTube: Celtic 3-0 Rangers | Hatate Scores Twice as Celtic Blow Away Rangers To Go Top | cinch Premiership

The Hoops are due to play Rangers again on the 3rd of April at Ibrox, in what will be a huge game in the title race, but depending on what happens in the Scottish Cup, the teams could meet three times in under a month.

Should Celtic defeat Dundee United this evening and reach the last four of the Scottish Cup, the semi-finals will be played on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of April.

Celtic could be drawn against Rangers in that draw, as the Ibrox side are in the last four, and the Bhoys will be should they defeat Dundee United. 

Then there are the post-split Premiership fixtures to contend with. You have to imagine that the SPFL will schedule the Glasgow derby as one of the first games after the split, with the first dates the 23rd of April. It would not be a surprise if the first game after the split is Celtic’s Premiership game against Rangers at Celtic Park.

That would mean that there will be three Glasgow derbies played in a month, and that would be a very exciting time for all involved at the club. It would also be very tense, as the games would likely define just how successful the Hoops are this season.

But Ange Postecoglou’s side would be confident that the Bhoys would perform well in the games. It would be interesting to see how Celtic approach the games. as they are all different in their own ways.

The trip to Ibrox might see the Hoops play a tad more defensively, whilst a potential semi-final and the league game at Celtic Park could see the Bhoys play in their usual attacking formation, although a cup game is obviously different as extra times and penalties are a possibility.

It has been an exciting first-season for the Hoops under manager Ange Postecoglou, and that could reach fever pitch if Celtic have the chance to play and beat Rangers three times in April.

That is not guaranteed, as of course the Hoops need to defeat Dundee United first and book a place in the Scottish Cup semi-final draw, but if it does happen then the Bhoys should go into the games with plenty of confidence.