By Alex Knight.
Last weekend’s action packed 2-2 draw kept the title race alive in the Scottish Premiership, and the two foes meet again this Sunday with a place at Hampden up for grabs, where a draw will not suffice.
The Premiership trophy will be the top of the priority lists in what is the most competitive season the league has seen in decades, however, the thought of signing the season off for the summer by raising the Scottish Cup remains a mouth-watering prospect which both clubs will be keen on.
The recent meeting between the two Scottish giants proved just why this matchup is one of the most infamous globally. We saw Rangers dominate the start of the game, with a superb overhead kick from Youssef Chermiti which was shortly followed with a second goal from the Portuguese to put the hosts two-nil up.
However, Martin O’Neill’s side didn’t let their heads drop as they showcased immense resilience to come back from the two-goal deficit. It’s safe to say Celtic will have gained some momentum from Reo Hatate’s extra-time equaliser, which will give them a psychological edge as they go into the cup game on Sunday.
The Gers had a rough start to this season with Russell Martin at the helm, managing only one win from their opening eight league games, alongside six draws and one defeat.
Consequently, the Gers were nowhere near what was expected of the typical standard in terms of league position, but the subsequently appointed Danny Rohl from Sheffield Wednesday has provided a fantastic charge up the league table and into the title race.
Rohl has overseen 14 wins, six draws, and fallen to just one defeat in 20 Premiership matches, placing the Gers third in the league and six points off league leaders Hearts.
The Bhoys haven’t had much more to cheer about however, as Wilfred Nancys’ short stint proved damaging for their title hopes, seeing them win two and lose six across all competitions. Martin O’Neil was the chosen replacement for Nancy, marking the managers second interim spell at the club this season, and there have been vast improvements since.
O’Neill has secured nine wins, two draws and two losses in 13 games when in charge.
Bragging rights are shared between the two this season, with both enjoying 3-1 wins on top of two draws, although Celtic have failed to win at Ibrox in their last 5 attempts, granted the last 3 finished all square, so another tight, dramatic affair is almost assured.
The visitors will be looking to lift the trophy for the 43rd time, extending their record, three of them being under O’Neill, whilst Rangers are chasing their 35th.
Former Rangers winger, Peter Lovenkrands, believes this season, with confidence and belief likely to play a part in the title run-in, success in one competition could influence the other.
“It can actually go in two different directions that way, but I think the whole league situation is just exciting and incredible,” said Lovenkrands. “Whoever wins this one will probably get that wee bit more confidence to go on and push on.”
Whilst former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes Danny Rohl needs a Scottish cup win more than Martin O’Neill does: “I think Danny Rohl needs it more than Martin O’Neill. The reason I say that is Martin O’Neill as a manager this season has twice come in and kept Celtic hanging on in a title race. I think the Rangers fans would be dissatisfied [if they lose] and would see this as a real opportunity of winning a trophy,” Sutton added. “Danny Rohl has done a good job since he’s come in but I think the pressure is more on him than Martin O’Neill.”
Scottish Cup campaign so far:
Rangers obliterated third-tier Annan Athletic 5-0 and Championship side Queen’s Park 8-0, both at Ibrox.
Celtic saw a 2-0 win against sixth-tier Auchinleck Talbot at Rugby Park, then just about survived a difficult game at home against Premiership Dundee, winning 2-1 in extra-time.
Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore, Gassama, Chermiti.
Celtic possible starting lineup:
Schmeichel, Araujo, Arthur, Scales, Tierney; Hatate, McGregor, Tounekti, Nygren, Maeda, Cvancara.
