Scott Mullen: Tale of the Old Firm will need Barton to show up for Rangers to provide a Celtic plot twist

Few, however, could have predicted that the storyline for both leading men could have taken the plot twists that we have witnessed in the run up to this Glasgow derby.

Ever since Joey Barton set foot in Scotland this summer to sign with Rangers, questions were promptly thrown at him about what the outspoken Englishman thought of his impending battle with Celtic's Scott Brown.

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In true Barton fashion, the former England cap wasn't shy in coming forward with his proclamation that Brown 'Wasn't in his league'. You're not wrong Joey.

I was at Ibrox back in July when Rangers trounced Stranraer in the Betfred Cup and on that night, albeit against fairly dismal opposition, Barton looked every bit the player he billed himself to be. Yes, you can't use that as a true measure of his talents, but his range of passing and touch spoke of a player that would add a bit of class to that Rangers midfield.

Read more: Kenny Miller: Rangers must back up their words with actions against Celtic and prove their Premiership title credentials

Since then, there hasn't been much sign of that spark. Against Dundee he was at fault for the Mark O'Hara goal conceded, against Motherwell he was not the man that hauled a below-par Rangers back into the game and at Rugby Park his most noticeable contribution was being fouled by Greg Taylor for the Kilmarnock man's straight red card.

Conversely, the man who will be lining up against him at Parkhead this lunchtime has enjoyed a stunning transformation.

Let's be honest, Brown looked a shadow of his former self for large portions of last season. So much so that many questioned his future and longevity in the game. Again, I was at Hampden back in April for the last time the two met and the Celtic captain looked lost during that Scottish Cup semi-final. In fairness to him he wasn't the only one.

Now, under Brendan Rodgers, Brown is the leader that Celtic so could have been doing with at the national stadium just five months ago. He looks sharper and fitter, and his retirement from international football has perhaps rekindled his passion for the game while wearing a green and white jersey.

It all adds up to a truly fascinating contest today. The circus is back in town and for many of us it does feel like it's never been away - although some on social media are hell-bent on telling us this is the first league meeting between the two sides. Give us piece.

The change in attitude going into this game from the mood following their last meeting is quite staggering. On that day Rangers fans could not hide their hysteria and bullishness about what their team could do this season. Two Premiership wins, two draws and four bland performances have not quite backed that up.

Of course, a result today is not beyond them. We learned that surprises can occur back in April, and just maybe the Parkhead side may have thoughts of the Nou Camp on Tuesday in the back of their minds. I doubt it, though.

For me, Rangers will somehow need to delve deep into their locker to try and find something that has been missing all season if they are to escape from Parkhead today with anything other than a bruised ego and zero points.

This season's story of course has a long way to go, and today will be a thriller. Barton will need to do his talking on the pitch to make sure it doesn't turn into a horror.