Fired-up Steven Gerrard isn't bothered by Celtic's recent improvement as he warned "they're playing Rangers" now.
After a difficult run of results both domestically and in Europe Neil Lennon 's side have won six on the spin, including lifting the Scottish Cup.
They visit Ibrox on Saturday looking to start eating in to the 16 point gap at the top of the Premiership but Gerrard isn't worrying himself about the opposition.
He said: "I haven't really focused on Celtic's form. Our schedule has been very demanding so I haven't had time to breathe in terms of focusing on any other opposition apart from the ones we've faced.
"Since our setback in the Betfred Cup the players have delivered 12 points out of 12, scored nine goals and conceded one, so our reaction and response has been fantastic so we go into this game confident and in a good place.
"Celtic have obviously won their last couple of games, against Hamilton, Ross County and Dundee United - but they're playing Rangers and it's a different challenge for them and a different challenge for us and it's one we're looking forward to."
Gerrard also spoke of the impact that an empty Ibrox will have on the fixture.
He explained: "I think the technical side and the tactical side of the game remains the same whether there's a crowd there or not.
"I think with a non-crowd you can get messages onto the pitch more, the players can communicate better.
"So from your (the media's) point of view I'm sure you'll hear more in terms of the technical and tactical side of it.
"In a normal situation we'd love to have our crowd with us tomorrow, the advantage of being at Ibrox with a full crowd in this type of game goes without saying.
"That advantage is not there but having said that we couldn't ask to go into this game in a better place."
