Celtic vs Rangers will not be postponed because the majority of fans will follow the guidelines, according to Nicola Sturgeon.
There were calls for the Glasgow derby to be pushed back until the current coronavirus restrictions are lifted.
Supporters will not be able to attend the match, watch the game in a pub or visit another household with concerns supporters will be more inclined to break the rules with the showdown going ahead on Saturday.
But the First Minister believes it doesn't need to be called off because most supporters will act responsibly.
Sturgeon said “It’s not within my gift alone to postpone football matches.
“There won’t be a risk to public health if football supporters act responsibility. I know the majority of football supporters care about their own health, the health of their loved ones and their communities. These are predicated on people not acting responsibly. “
Dr Gregor Smith added: “I know how tough it’s been for supporters this season not being able to get back into stadiums. The bottom line is that it’s not yet safe to do so.
“I understand why people want to gather together to watch a game, but you’re putting your friends and family at risk and your workmates at risk. The places where people watch football are high-risk areas.
"We know already that there are parts of the country and in the UK where there is a high prevalence of this disease. Please don’t put people at risk by travelling. You’re risking bringing that back to your households.
“I think the vast majority of football supporters understand that and for that reason, I don’t see any point in postponing this game.”
The First Minister has also issued a fresh warning to Celtic and Rangers fans ahead of the derby to stay at home to protect lives.
Sturgeon said: "I appreciate, I think we probably all feel this, that it’s at the weekend when the temptation to bend the rules again will be at its strongest.
“Whether that’s about meeting up with others or going round to somebody else’s house - a member of your family, or a friend.
”I also know that, for football fans, this weekend in particular perhaps for Celtic and Rangers fans, that temptation might be even greater.
“Tomorrow, of course, sees the first of these Glasgow derbies to be played without fans in the stadium. Of course, it’s also taking place at a time when we have additional restrictions on household visits and hospitality.
“So, with that in mind, I want to underline a few key points ahead of the match. I should say that both clubs, and the SPFL, are also emphasising these points to supporters and I’m very grateful to them for that.
“The first thing to say is that you mustn’t go round to somebody else’s house to watch the match. None of us, not just football supporters, but none of us should be going into each other’s homes at the moment unless it is for essential purposes such as childcare or looking after a vulnerable person.
“I know how tough it’s been for supporters this season not being able to get back into stadiums. The bottom line is that it’s not yet safe to do so.
“I understand why people want to gather together to watch a game, but you’re putting your friends and family at risk and your workmates at risk. The places where people watch football are high-risk areas. We know already that there are parts of the country and in the UK where there is a high prevalence of this disease. Please don’t put people at risk by travelling. You’re risking bringing that back to your households.
“I think the vast majority of football supporters understand that and for that reason, I don’t see any point in postponing this game.
“I‘m afraid - and I know this statement is possibly a controversial one in Scotland, I readily acknowledge that - I’m afraid watching football, no matter how essential it might feel to some, does not fall into that essential category.
“In addition, people should not be gathering outside or around the stadium. There will be nothing to see there, so there is no point at all in turning up.
“And finally, please don’t travel in order to try to watch the match. I know there might be a temptation to get around local or national restrictions in this way, but it is really important that you don’t do that.”
