Kenny Dalgish reckons Rangers ' massive Europa League playoff trip could impact on the first Celtic clash of the season.
Steven Gerrard 's side face a mammoth 5000-mile round trip to Armenia for the second leg against Alashkert with a slim 1-0 advantage earned at Ibrox.
The crucial game comes just days before the first showdown with Ange Postecoglou 's men this season, who are also in Europa League action.
However, they make a shorter trip to Alkmaar to face AZ with a 2-0 lead carried into the second leg.
Former Parkhead boss Dalglish reckons the travel difference could be a factor during the Ibrox, with the Premiership champions struggling to hit the heights of last term.
Speaking in his Sunday Post column, Dalglish said: " Celtic and Rangers are also in action on Thursday, and it looks as though Ange Postecoglou’s men are in the strongest position.
"They defeated AZ Alkmaar 2-0 at Celtic Park, but the tie is far from over. Despite the defeat, the Dutch side played well and created chances.
"Joe Hart made one or two excellent stops and, already, he looks to be an outstanding signing.
"AZ will be confident they can turn things around, but Celtic are really motoring, and in Kyogo Furuhashi, they have a matchwinner.
"He can turn things in the Hoops’ favour in any company. What an asset he is.
"The Old Firm have both missed out on the £35m riches of the Champions League, but the Europa League can be worth in the region of £10m. That’s a significant amount of money.
"Rangers have competed very well in the Europa League in the past couple of years, and they need another big display this week.
"Steven Gerrard’s players still look as though they have to find their rhythm but, despite the ropey displays, they take a 1-0 lead to Armenia for the second leg.
"Alfredo Morelos scored the winning goal and he will be required for Thursday. He can be the difference.
"However, it looks as though it’s going to be a really tough 90 minutes for Rangers, and they’ll need to be right on it to progress.
"From there, they will travel back a long way to face Celtic on Sunday at Ibrox. What a game that is going to be."
