Following their rivals demotion to the bottom tier of Scottish football, this will be the first time Celtic have played Rangers since 2012. The Hoops are back at the top of the table following an indifferent first six months under manager Ronny Delia, but they still have not fully convinced. They appear to be more solid in defence than they have been for a long time, keeping four clean sheets since their mini-winter break. Having scored nine goals in that run of games, the signs are there that they’re beginning to rid themselves of some of the inconsistencies which plagued them when Delia first took over.
It’s been anything but easy for Rangers since their demotion but this season has been particularly bad for them. Ally McCoist has been relieved of his duties whilst Kenny McDowall, who is in caretaker charge until the end of the season, has begun working his notice. Their boardroom struggles are there for all to see but turning attentions to on the park and there’s very little to report as they have not completed a match since the 10th of January. Abandonments and postponements have put paid to their recent games which doesn’t bode well for them having to get to grips with the pace of the match against Scotland’s best team.
With the exception of Charlie Mulgrew, Celtic have a fully fit squad to choose from. Delia’s biggest decision will probably be who to play as the lone striker. It’s been the position where nobody has really shown that they are the first choice pick but it’s likely that it will be one of Leigh Griffiths or John Guidetti. Whoever gets the nod can expect to be given a warm reception by the opposition’s defence.
One thing that Rangers will have to do if they are to stand a chance of causing a cup upset is perform better than they have done in the big games they’ve faced this season. They have already lost twice to Hearts and Hibernian this season with an aggregate score of 11-2. They will likely revert to a 4-5-1 as they look to frustrate Celtic in the early exchanges.
As you would imagine, there’s plenty of excitement around this match with it being the first encounter between the Glasgow rivals in just under three years. Unfortunately for the natural, I can’t see this being anything other than a comfortable win for Celtic. Rangers have looked short against the better sides in the Championship whilst Celtic have already comfortably seen off Hearts in both cup competitions. Take Celtic on the handicap.
Celtic (-1.5AH) 41/40 @ Bet365
