Celtic on high & Cerny is Rangers' talisman

Game of weekend - Kilmarnock v Celtic

Having swept aside the Dons in that semi-final - then RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League - Celtic once more look a relentlessly potent force.

If Brendan Rodgers had failed to convince some last season despite eventually cantering to the league title, his side's recent scintillating performances are helping put to bed unfavourable comparisons with Celtic under predecessor Ange Postecoglou.

Yes, there was the 7-1 thrashing away to Borussia Dortmund, but they have shrugged off that embarrassment by going seven games unbeaten since.

Albeit one of those was Aberdeen's two-goal fightback to draw at Celtic Park, it has culminated in their two most impressive displays this season.

Indeed, it is 25 games since they last lost domestically, against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle in March, and they head to Rugby Park on Sunday having won all five away league games this season.

Celtic eased to a 4-0 win on Kilmarnock's visit to Glasgow in August and handed out a 5-0 thrashing on their last trip to Ayrshire in May, all of which does not suggest Derek McInnes' side will offer much resistance this time either.

However, Kilmarnock are unbeaten in four at home and will take heart from their last Rugby Park outing - when a single goal accounted for the other side of the Old Firm to heap pressure on Rangers manager Philippe Clement and send McInnes to the top of the bookmakers' odds as the Belgian's likely successor.

Indeed, Celtic headed home beaten in their other two visits last season - once in the Premiership and once in the League Cup - as well being held to a draw at Celtic Park.

We could be in for some post-Bonfire Night fireworks.

Player to watch - Vaclav Cerny (Rangers)

Vaclav Cerny (centre) played his part in Rangers' draw in Greece

Who starts for Rangers as they entertain Heart of Midlothian on Sunday will be almost as intriguing as the game and result.

Long-time captain James Tavernier was dropped to the bench for Thursday's Europa League draw with Olympiakos - and then Neraysho Kasanwirjo was preferred as a replacement right-back for Dujon Sterling during the second half.

Clement put the decision down to managing the game time of the ageing Englishman - and needing more than one captain, with goalkeeper Jack Butland handed the armband.

However, it has led to speculation about Tavernier's future in the side given his legendary goal and assist contributions are no longer outweighing his oft mentioned defensive frailties amid a difficult start to the season for his side.

It is Vaclav Cerny who has picked up the baton as Rangers' most potent attacking force.

Clement was advised by his medical team against using the Czech Republic winger in so many consecutive games earlier in the season, but it would be hard to leave out someone who has scored four goals in his five home appearances in the Premiership, including three in his last two.

Especially so given Hearts have held Rangers to draws in their latest two meetings and arrive having earned praise for their performance despite losing 2-0 at home to Heidenheim in the Conference League.

They have also accumulated seven points in four league games under Neil Critchley - as many as the previous 12 before he was appointed head coach.

With or without Cerny and Tavernier, however, third-top Rangers will start strong favourites against the second-bottom side given they have won seven in a row at home domestically this season and are unbeaten in 16 meetings against Hearts, winning 12, both overall and at Ibrox.