Former Celtic midfielder Kris Commons believes his old side are at a disadvantage in Saturday's derby with no fans to roar them on.
Glasgow's big two go head-to-head for the first time this season as Rangers visit Parkhead but it's set to be a strange atmosphere in the East End.
No fans will be allowed at Celtic Park for the fixture, and Commons believes that will have an adverse impact on Neil Lennon 's side.
He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "No matter who the opponent is, there's nothing worse than playing in an empty stadium. It's just going to be so eerie.
"Even though they've played almost a full round of fixtures behind closed doors, it will truly hit them when both the buses let them off at the top of the Celtic Way.
"That's when the enormity of the occasion would normally hit you, thousands of fans crammed behind barriers just gives you that last little reminder of exactly what this fixture means.
"When our bus drew up at Ibrox, we'd get dog's abuse from the Rangers fans. No team talk was required after that.
"There's no doubt in my mind that this new scenario does favour Rangers. Home advantage is so much to do with the hostile atmosphere that the Celtic fans create. That's one less thing for Steven Gerrard's players to contend with.
"Similarly, the fact those Celtic fans won't be cheering every throw-in or corner their side wins won't do Neil Lennon's players any favours. As a player, I thrived on getting our fans out of their seats.
"Although I do believe that the closed-doors environment is something of a leveller here, the best football side should still emerge with the three points.
"That's what Neil Lennon will be saying to his players. They are champions for a reason, they are on a good run without playing exceptionally well and if they perform to their capability, they should come out on top.
"They just have to find a different way of winning this one. Normally, the atmosphere ensures the game takes care of itself, but this time the players have to look within for their motivation."
