By Graham Ruthven
Bragging rights
The Scottish title race is over. There was by no means actually one within the first place. Celtic will stroll to their fourth successive Scottish Premiership title it doesn’t matter what unfolds in opposition to Rangers on Sunday. Outdated Agency derbies, nevertheless, at all times matter. Rangers gained’t win the title on Sunday, however they might win bragging rights, and in Scotland they’re generally price extra.
16 factors divide Glasgow’s large two on the high of the desk and never even that totally illustrates the benefit Celtic presently maintain over Rangers. Brendan Rodgers’ facet misplaced the final derby, however that was one thing of an anomaly. Earlier than that, Celtic swept apart their rivals in a 3-0 victory at Celtic Park and overcame Rangers within the Scottish League Cup remaining.
Interim supervisor Barry Ferguson has been employed to level the Ibrox membership in the correct course once more, one thing he did by guiding his group previous Fenerbahçe into the Europa League quarter-finals. Nonetheless, 120 minutes of gruelling continental motion could have taken it out of Rangers. That could possibly be an element on Sunday.
On the stability of what we now have seen within the Scottish Premiership, Celtic ought to coast to a few factors this weekend, however because the final assembly between these two rivals confirmed (when Rangers gained 3-0) logic doesn’t at all times shine via on derby day.
Key gamers
Celtic will look to dominate possession within the centre of the pitch which means Callum McGregor shall be a key determine for the house group. Reo Hatate will even give the Hoops creativity in midfield with Arne Engels anticipated to finish the central unit.
Daizen Maeda will lead the road for Celtic with the Japanese ahead steadily a thorn within the facet of James Tavernier. Rodgers may go for Adam Idah as a extra orthodox centre ahead, however Maeda’s tempo provides Celtic a distinct dimension within the remaining third.
On the again, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty will give Celtic a sound defensive basis with Alistair Johnston a funnel into the assault down the correct facet.
Rangers’ technique may see them play on the break like they did to nice impact within the away victory over Fenerbahçe final week. This is able to put the onus on Václav Cerny and Cyriel Dessers to hold the assault in open house.
There shall be stress on the likes of Jack Butland and John Souttar in entrance of him to maintain the Celtic ahead line at arm’s size. In the meantime, Tavernier is at all times a risk from set items.
Group information
Each Celtic and Rangers could have a comparatively clear invoice of well being for Sunday’s Outdated Agency Derby.
Paulo Bernardo and James Forrest are each harm doubts for Celtic whereas Robin Propper can be carrying a knock for Rangers though it’s not identified but if the latter could have any recent accidents after Thursday’s penalty shootout win over Fenerbahçe.
Rodgers’ largest choice considerations who will begin for Celtic at left again though Jeffrey Schlupp seems to have the sting over Greg Taylor for the time being.
Prediction
Celtic want lower than a handful of wins to substantiate the title, so a victory right here, in opposition to the one facet who can mathematically catch them would nearly safe that fourth straight league triumph. For that motive, we predict Celtic shall be going all out for the win: Celtic 2-0 Rangers.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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