THIS weekend's Old Firm showdown at Ibrox has all the ingredients to be a classic with Walter Smith aiming to make it four wins out of four against Gordon Strachan's men.

Rangers, of course, are on a tremendous 12-game unbeaten run in the SPL but the Celts have shown their resilience by staying within three points of their greatest rivals at the top of the table.

A win for the Light Blues on Saturday afternoon will increase that gap to six points with a game in-hand and in my opinion that could go along way to deciding the Championship, even if there are still two trips to Parkhead still to come.

Passion, commitment and controversy, we can expect it all and here is the key battles I expect will take place in the greatest derby in the world:

Kirk Broadfoot v Aiden McGeady

I have been hugely impressed by Kirk at right-back following Alan Hutton's move to Spurs.

He has the ability to get forward and his delivery into the box has been good.

This weekend, however, his defensive attributes will be tested to the full when he comes up against Aiden McGeady.

The winger has been excellent this season and is the architect for a lot of Celtic's goals.

It will be up to Kirk to stop his supply for McDonald, Hesselink or Samaras but the experience he has gained in Europe this season should stand him in good stead on his Old Firm debut.

Carlos Cuellar v Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink

Cuellar has been different class for Rangers and in my opinion he is the best defender in the SPL right now.

The fact that this will be his 50th match for Gers this season says it all.

The big Spaniard came up against Scott McDonald when the teams last met in October as Strachan went for a 4-5-1 formation but Hesselink provides an aerial threat for Celtic.

The Dutchman may not be as prolific as McDonald in front of goal but is strong at linking up play and winning flick-ons. This will be an interesting tussle but I fancy Cuellar to come out on top.

Barry Ferguson v Scott Brown

This will be a battle of youth v experience and it could be the area will the match is won or lost.

I have always said that Barry is the best midfielder in Scotland and when he is on top form he can dictate matches.

I think Walter is certain to start with just one striker up top, most probably Darcheville, so it is essential that the skipper pushes up and provides support to the Rocket.

It has been a gruelling campaign for Baz recently and he has shown signs of tiredness recently although his ankle will not have helped matters. Fatigue, however, never comes into play when the Old Firm games come about and he will be right up for this one.

As for Brown, we all know what he is capable of but he has yet to show the Celtic fans why he is their record signing.

He was brought as a big game player and will be desperate to stamp his authority on Saturday's game. This will be a titanic clash between two quality players.

Jean-Claude Darcheville v Stephen McManus

With Daniel Cousin out I fully expect Darcheville to get the nod and his strength and pace will be vital to Rangers.

Playing one in attack is never easy for a striker but if the ball gets put into the channels or over the Celtic defenders heads JC can terrorise opponents.

McManus has international experience and is an uncompromising centre-half but he is not the quickest and this could give Walter Smith's side a big advantage if they can get the provide Darcheville with quality service and support.

DJ's Prediction: Rangers 1 Celtic 0 - I expect this to be a very tight game with both teams strong in defence but Rangers will make home advantage count on the day.