Rangers strengthened their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership by defeating St Johnstone on Saturday.

Celtic, The defending champions and now third, have stuttered through their league campaign so far this season.

Their recent form has been inconsistent, and they have seen the blue half of Glasgow pull away in a style reminiscent of they way they have dominated Scottish football during the past decade.

Craig Burley: Still injured

Despite some free scoring home performances, including last week's 5-0 thumping of bottom club Dunfermline and the 5-1 win in the last Old Firm clash, Celtic's away record has been awful - just one win and four defeats.

Many commentators believe that the continuing absence of Craig Burley for much of the season has been an important factor.

Celtic will again be without the Scottish international for this game as well.

But Manager Josef Venglos expects his calf injury will have healed in time for the next Old Firm clash.

Other fitness worries are Jackie McNamara and Marc Rieper.

Dundee dropping

Aberdeen's win over Dunfermline on Saturday meant Dundee dropped into the bottom three.

Dundee know that only three points will do if they are to move away from the relegation zone.

The home side's biggest problem this year has been scoring goals - they have only managed eight at home.