It would be an understatement to say that Celtic need to win against the Rangers today. Every Glasgow Derby is important, but this one even more so, as it is going to have major implications on the title race.

A win would put Celtic within one point of Hearts. Derek McInnes' side could only manage a draw this weekend, allowing the Hoops an window of opportunity to close in.

That being said, Celtic have not won any of the last Glasgow Derbies within 90 minutes. They have won just three of those nine in total. Two came on penalties, while another victory was secured in extra-time.

The last time the two teams met, Celtic held on for a draw before winning the Scottish Cup tie on penalties. They cannot afford to implement the same strategy this time around. They are the ones who need to take the game to the Rangers and come out with a win.

For that to happen, one man will be important. Daizen Maeda. The Japanese striker did appear to pick up an injury in the previous game and there were doubts about his fitness.

But he did return to fitness recently and now, as reported by Independent, Maeda has been passed fit.

It will be very interesting to see how Celtic decide to line up against the Rangers. Will they go with what has worked over the last few weeks, which is starting with Maeda as the centre-forward and then bringing on Kelechi Iheanacho late on to take advantage of tired legs?

Or could they turn things around a bit this weekend and start with both of them? That would be a bit of a surprise for the Rangers and might affect their game plan.

It has been maintained for a while that Iheanacho feels that he is fit enough to start games. Not giving him those opportunities might have been a tactical choice on the part of Martin O'Neill.

O'Neill has been in this situation before though. So have many of Celtic's players, who have numerous league titles under their belt.

So, one would hope that that experience comes in handy for them against the Rangers today and for the remainder of the league campaign.

For now, the focus has to be on the here and now, which is to defeat the Rangers at Parkhead to go just a point behind Hearts in the league table.

Roundtablesports is Free to join! You can post your own thoughts, comment on articles, and start conversations with our Roundtable Writers. Scroll up to the top of the page and click 'Join'.

Download the FREE Roundtable APP, and get even easier access to your favourite teams and news!