Critical Scott McDonald reckons Rangers will have to rise to the challenge of playing in front of fans - just like Celtic.
There has been a stark contrast in fortunes for Steven Gerrard's unbeaten league campaign has season, with three consecutive defeats in a row.
Some have pointed to the return of fans as a factor in the early season struggles of the Premiership champions.
Former Parkhead striker McDonald believes it's a totally different story across the city at Celtic Park, with Ange Postecoglou's side picking up momentum.
After three wins on the bounce, the Australian appears to be turning the tide after a disastrous season last term.
McDonald claim that the woes wouldn't have been allowed to go on for as long as they would have if Celtic fans were in the stands.
He also notes that pressure will be ramped up across the city on the terraces adding to the challenge in a title defence
McDonald told Football Pass: “It makes such a difference.
" Celtic lacked that a little bit last year, in terms of that extra motivation and that kick up the backside that they needed at times from their supporters, or to get them over the line in certain games that they were finding it difficult.
“The standards dropped massively and I think if the fans were there I don’t think it would have been able to go that far.
“There is a lot of talk on the other side of Glasgow at the moment that fans being back in is harmful to them, but we will wait and see on that.
“I think Rangers were tremendous last season and really deserved everything they got last year, but there is fans in and there is expectation after winning the title.
"So, the pressure is all on them and they have to stand up to that.”
