Why Scott Brown v Joey Barton will be the Old Firm’s most brutal battle

The most likely recipients of cards on derby day are set to be both Brown and Barton, as they will end their earlier verbal exchanges when finally colliding on Saturday afternoon, with fireworks expected when the pair come face-to-face.

BR: “It’s another game but it’s a special game. Always keenly fought, tough games but we’re looking forward to it.”

— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) September 8, 2016

Their ongoing feud is set to make an interesting subplot this weekend from the first whistle, with Brown taking to home soil at 20/1 to be dismissed anytime, while Gers anchorman Barton is 10/1 to face an early exit.

“He’s not even in my league…”

Upon his arrival at Ibrox, Barton was swift in fuelling tensions between himself and Hoops skipper Brown, claiming that the recently retired Scotland international is not at his level, stating: “People keep talking about Scott Brown v Joey Barton. He’s not even in my league. He’s nowhere near the level of player I am.”

“He can’t get near me. If I play well, Brown doesn’t stand a chance.”

The former Burnley midfielder also hit out at new Bhoys boss Rodgers, stoking the fire ahead of derby day.

“I’ve not managed to run into him (Rodgers) yet. I know the places he goes and the places I go probably differ with the tan and the teeth and that kind of thing,” declared Barton. “They’re not the kind of establishments I rock up at. I’m not having a mid-life crisis.”

Brown hit back accordingly at his imminent opponent, though. “I’ve not been in his league, he’s in my league,” joked former Scotland skipper Brown, who is 8/1 to be the first player to be shown a card in the derby. “I think we’ll get on really well, him being a Celtic fan, so I think we’ll get on great.”

The Hoops midfielder’s jives were regarding an old comment from Barton, with the 34-year-old having previously admitted he was a Celtic fan, though the latter player was quick to reply insults by tweeting a boyhood photo of Brown wearing a Rangers shirt.

“I know who I would have on my team…”

Going into their personal derby duel, Brown has so far received six red cards in his long-standing career, while Barton leads the way with nine dismissals in total, though their respective tallies could increase come Saturday.

Scottish utility player Charlie Mulgrew spent several seasons alongside Brown at Parkhead before recently departing for Blackburn Rovers after his contract in Glasgow ended, and he is backing his former teammate to come out on top in his individual encounter.

Watching that Champions League Qualifier and thinking…https://t.co/lXjKKzFxl6

— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) August 23, 2016

“I know who I would have on my team, put it that way,” stated Mulgrew. “Joey Barton has shown that he is a good player with the level he has played at but I know Scott and I know that he is a top professional.”

With such friction already built up between Brown and Barton ahead of the latest Old Firm derby at Parkhead, promising odds of 5/2 can also be had on both players receiving a card anytime during proceedings, as Celtic and Rangers prepare for what could the most brutal battle yet.

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Read our extensive football section ahead of the huge Old Firm derby this weekend.

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