KENNY DALGLISH believes that it is risky to make bold predictions about the upcoming Glasgow derby but reckons his old side have to be considered slight favourites ahead of Wednesday night.

Ange Postecoglou's men closed the gap with their rivals at the top of the table to two points after a day of dramatic Premiership action on Saturday. Matthew Wright's last-gasp equaliser ensured Rangers left Dingwall with a single point while Liel Abada's stoppage-time winner was enough for Celtic to see off Dundee United at home.

A victory for the home side at Parkhead midweek would be enough to nudge Celtic ahead in the title race and Dalglish is hopeful his old team will do precisely that.

With so much on the line heading into the derby, the former Celtic striker is expecting a close game but after watching Wednesday's 2-1 win at Tynecastle, he reckons they have the edge.

"I would have Celtic down as slight favourites to win this match," he wrote in his Sunday Post column.

"I watched them against Hearts last midweek and they were impressive. They knocked the ball about well and played at a very high tempo.

"It’s never wise to choose a winner, but I think home advantage gives Celtic the edge as we head into the game."

Postecoglou got off to a sticky start as Celtic manager, losing three of his opening six league games and losing the early ground in the title race. Since then, however, his side are unbeaten and have won 14 of their 17 subsequent outings.

Dalglish is in no doubt that it is Postecolglou's coaching ability that sparked the turnaround as the Liverpool great praised the Greek-Australian's eye for a player.

"Credit to Ange for his coaching and managerial skills," he continued. "He took over Celtic when they were in the depths of despair but he turned it around very quickly.

"He has also been brilliant at recruitment.

"Another one of his signings, Reo Hatate, scored an outstanding goal, the kind of strike that gets spectators up off their seats.

"Maybe Craig Gordon would feel disappointed to have conceded from almost 30 yards out, but it was a very powerful strike.

"To go to Tynecastle and win without Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda speaks volumes for the talent in the squad.

"New signing Matt O’Riley looks a proper player and I was also impressed with Giorgos Giakoumakis.

"Giakoumakis has had his time at Celtic constantly interrupted by injury but he is really looking the part.

"He had a great finish against Alloa in the Scottish Cup last weekend and followed it up with another brilliant execution on Wednesday.

"He has sort of burst on to the scene in the past week or so, and he could very well end up making a right name for himself in the Old Firm game.

"If he is handed the centre-forward role by Ange, then the Greek striker looks to have it in his locker to be a potential match winner."