Celtic v Rangers: Hooper-Jelavic head to head
Two vital men in tonight's Old Firm clash at Celtic Park will be the free scoring Gary Hooper and Nikica Jelavic. Stephen Temlett takes a look at the two hitmen and sees who is likely to come out on top in the Glasgow derby.
Gary Hooper
Gary Hooper joined Celtic in July for £2.4 million and has been on fire this season with 11 goals.
The ex-Scunthorpe frontman has experience in Old Firms with four goals and three wins already.
His 11 goals have helped Celtic get back into the title race and he has really hit form in the past month. He has seven goals from the last eight games including a hat-trick against St. Mirren.
Goals this season = 14
Nikica Jelavic
Nikica Jelavic joined Rangers last year for £4 million and has been a fan’s favourite since signing.
The Croatian hitman cemented that status after his winning goal in the League Cup Final.
In comparison to Hooper, Jelavic has six goals in eight games including four penalties.
Jelavic has previous against Celtic too for his old club Rapid Vienna.
Goals this season = 14
The battle between these two strikers will be won by the players behind the two front men. In recent weeks Jelavic has struggled to get support from his midfield and if he is to get the upper hand in this battle he needs Steven Davis, Maurice Edu and Gregg Wylde to do their part and create chances. Hooper has been in a rich vein of form of late and he has no end of support in Kayal and Brown.
Current form between these two would suggest that Hooper has the advantage with more goals. Also the home advantage will be key too with the Celtic fans making sure to back their man however Rangers will not be quiet.
All these factors will play a part but it’s an Old Firm and who knows what will happen. Despite this, giving the way both teams have played in recent weeks, and the form Hooper has been in of late it is hard to see past him winning this head to head.
Verdict – Gary Hooper
