Andy Walker feels Rangers will have "no excuses whatsoever" in their title fight if they go out of the Europa League to Galatasaray.
Steven Gerrard 's side are bidding to stop their city rivals from winning a 10th championship in a row and are currently a point clear having played a game more.
On Thursday they return to European duty with a one-off Europa League playoff against Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Scottish Football Podcast former Ibrox hero Kris Boyd pointed out the financial benefit of making it to the group stage, but his fellow pundit offered a counter view.
Walker said: "Boydy's right about the aspect of Rangers' finances, it'll give them a huge boost.
"I think they made around £14million from last year's games all in.
"But you've got to look at it the other way as well.
"Can you imagine if Celtic have got Europa League fixtures and Rangers don't?
"There would be no excuse for Rangers to slip up then. If Rangers don't make it and Celtic do it should boost their chances of having a bigger push for the title.
"They would have more time to prepare for games, more time to recover from injuries - no excuses whatsoever.
"And possibly making up a point or two when Celtic are travelling for the actual games themselves."
