Celtic v Rangers: It's winner takes all
Celtic will tonight host their fierce rivals Rangers in yet another titanic struggle for the SPL crown and Paul Deeney believes its winner takes all.
With elbows flying, red cards flowing and appeals left right and centre the build up to today’s big game has been as ferociously festive as ever. But what have Neil Lennon’s Bhoys got in their stockings for Ally McCoist’s men?
The Bhoys go into the match on an eight game winning spree high on confidence and oozing with self belief. On the contrary the Gers fans aren’t as eager for the encounter especially after dropping three points to St Mirren in Paisley. A sure bet then, Celtic runaway winners? Not quite. As everyone says form goes out the window in the Glasgow derby and there is no such thing as a sure bet.
It’s also highly notable that the last time Celtic where as highly touted for victory was the League Cup final when Rangers ran out 2-1 victors but I won’t need to remind any Celtic fans of that.
With the emergence of young starlet Victor Wanyama Celtic look to have secured a player defensive ability that excels anyone in the league and he will surely play a massive part in sewing up the Bhoys back line whether it be from central defence or midfield whether it be Wilson, Rogne or Mulgrew that partner him its certain that it’s a stronger defensive unit than what Rangers have come up against in the last few seasons.
Lennon has in the past claimed to have one of the best midfields in Britain and with the likes of Kayal, Ledley, Ki and Brown at his disposal it’s hard to disagree. You can expect free flowing Football from a hard working Celtic midfield as usual.
The east end men aren’t short on attacking opinions either, Georgios Samaras is having arguably the best vein of form since he signed for Celtic is a sure starter with top goal scorer Gary Hooper. While James Forrest contender for player of the year so far will no doubt play a massive role (If fit to play) and with options like Stokes, Bangura and McCourt likely to be on the bench it’s hard to make a case for the thin on bodies Rangers side.
However this derby seems somewhat more significant than others in recent years. With Celtic clawing back a 15point deficit victory will clear the way for top spot and that is something they will not want to let go of. Rangers on the other hand have been on a downward spiral since the loss of Steven Naismith through injury and have been riding their luck for weeks with less than impressive performances.
Though a victory would turn a new leaf for the Ibrox men and might be the boost they need to get there title bid back on track though I can’t see it happening. The one thing I firmly believe is that the winner today will be lifting the title com the end of the season.
My prediction:
Celtic 2-0 Rangers
Scorers: Hooper, Samaras.
