Rangers & Celtic ready for first SWPL derby showdown

The first Old Firm derby of the SWPL season has arrived and with it the potential to get our first idea of where the trophy might be heading in May.

Rangers top of the table with maximum points from their opening seven games. Glasgow City are on the same mark, having played one more match.

Celtic are two points behind from their seven outings, while their goal difference of 23 is miles off Rangers’ 50.

In the league meetings last season, the sides could not be split. Celtic won one, Rangers won one and the other two ended all square.

The rivals were levels on points going into the final match, with Amy Gallacher’s last-minute strike earning Celtic a win over Hibs that would seal the title on goal difference.

Still reeling from the hurt, Thursday is Rangers’ first chance for revenge.

“To lose the title on goal difference, we took that personally,” manager Jo Potter said.

“So I wanted to make sure we weren’t losing out on goals, that we were ruthless. The goal difference is pretty extreme at the moment, we’ve only conceded one goal and we’ve scored plenty.

“We wanted to tighten up at both ends and we’ve definitely done that so far.”