RANGERS could equal Celtic’s 25-game top flight winning streak record with victory at Parkhead in the third Old Firm clash of the campaign.
And that could be the same day that they clinch the Premiership title if they can maintain their fine form and Celtic drop four points ahead of derby day.
Steven Gerrard’s side recorded a 16th successive league victory on Sunday as a 2-1 win away to Aberdeen saw them extend their lead in the title race and move 21 points ahead of Celtic following their draw with Hibernian.
But the Light Blues are still nine games shy of the record that Celtic put together in season 2003/04 as Martin O’Neill’s side stormed to the silverware and finished 17 points clear of their Old Firm rivals.
Celtic drew their opening game of the season at Dunfermline but a 5-0 home win over Dundee United kicked-off a remarkable run that saw them win every match until Motherwell earned a point at Parkhead on March 14, 2004.
And it would be the following month that Celtic’s 32-game unbeaten streak – which was subsequently surpassed by the Invincibles side guided by Brendan Rodgers - came to an end as Bryan Prunty and David Zdrilic secured a famous away win for Aberdeen.
The Gers haven’t dropped a Premiership point since drawing with Hibernian in September and they head to Fir Park on Sunday with their sights set on a 17th win on the spin in their 24th league outing this term.
Matches with Ross County and Hibernian will round off January and Gerrard’s side then face St Johnstone, Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Livingston next month.
The visit of St Mirren follows that run and if Rangers can win each of those fixtures they will have the chance to match Celtic’s class of 2003/04 with Old Firm victory at Parkhead.
And that could also be the fixture that sees Gerrard’s side crowned champions if Celtic – who still have three games in hand – were to fall further behind between now and the Old Firm clash as Rangers look to wrap up the league at the earliest opportunity.
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