Former Celtic boss John Barnes believes Rangers are "not as all-conquering" this season as he backs his old side to run them close.
The Ibrox club romped to the Premiership title last season, going unbeaten throughout the campaign and finishing 25 points clear of their city rivals.
This season's first meeting saw Steven Gerrard's side take a 1-0 win, with Filip Helander heading home the only goal of the game.
But Barnes is confident that the arrival of Ange Postecoglou has seen the gap narrow and given Celtic the chance of mounting a real title challenge.
He told BonusCodeBets : "They’re not as far behind as they were last year.
"I’m not talking about points, I’m talking about the reality of the two teams. Rangers also lost a game and aren’t looking as all-conquering as they were last year.
"Celtic were looking good up until that point and could have got a point at Ibrox. Rangers are still probably a little bit ahead of them but this year will be much closer than last season."
Barnes had 29 matches in charge of Celtic in the 1999-2000 season, but was sacked following a home defeat to Inverness in the Scottish Cup.
