Old Firm clash on the horizon

WHILE there’s plenty of football to savour over the next two weeks, the vista is dominated by one fixture: the Old Firm derby.

The tie on Saturday September 23 will be the first opportunity of the season for title stick-ons Celtic to assert their long-standing dominance over Rangers, but fortune may favour the Ibrox side. Playing at home, the Light Blues are already behind their ancient rivals so need the victory more, and, without the distraction of European football, can fully concentrate on the big match.

It’s an important two weeks for fans of both sides, with the Hoops on the continent four days after the Glasgow derby to take on Belgian outfit Anderlecht in the Champions League.

Rangers’ anxieties are less glitzy but also less intense as they warm up for what will be the biggest game of their season so far with an altogether quieter local bout, as they take on Partick Thistle in a league and cup double header.

South of the border, there’s some tasty ties on offer as well with Arsenal travelling to Chelsea and Manchester United hosting Everton at Old Trafford (September 17).

This Saturday night also promises to deliver for boxing fans as acclaimed fighter Billy Joe Saunders defends his WBO World Middleweight Championship against hard-hitting New Yorker William Monroe Jr at the Copper Box Arena in London.

• Monroe v Saunders, September 16.