Celtic legend Davie Provan has admitted he expected Rangers to run the Bhoys close in the Scottish Premiership this season, but after taking in the Gers' first few league games, he now considers them less of a threat.
Brendan Rodgers has Celtic sitting at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with three wins from three games, while Rangers are second, with eight points from four games; the Gers have won two and drawn two.
Provan was expecting more from Mark Warburton's side, especially given the numbers the Englishman has brought in through the door at Ibrox over the summer months.
And with the two sides set to meet this weekend, Provan feels if Rangers are not at their best on Saturday, Celtic should win the Old Firm clash comfortably.
"On the evidence of what we've seen so far, less of a threat than I anticipated", Provan said this morning on Sky Sports News HQ, when asked how much of a threat the Ibrox side will be to the Bhoys.
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"Given the players Mark Warburton brought in in the summer, given how well Rangers played in the Scottish Cup semi-final, I thought Rangers might run Celtic close.
"Rangers, I think it's fair to say, have been less than impressive in their league games so far.
"Yes, they are unbeaten, but they are still not up to speed and in that respect Mark Warburton has to hope that his boys can give him a very similar performance to the Scottish Cup semi-final win last season.
"I think if Rangers are off their top this weekend then Celtic will win this with quite a bit to spare", the former Celtic man added.
Rangers will be hoping to send out a message that they can push Celtic for the Premiership title this season by putting in a strong display at Parkhead.
However, Celtic are flying high, boosted by Champions League group stage qualification.
