Stewart PrimroseCeltic v Rangers Preview
May 4th 2010 14:08
Rangers will travel to Celtic Park tonight for the final Old Firm game of the season, and they go into the clash with most of the pressure of them.
Since wrapping up the league title little over a week ago, Rangers have been able to relax and enjoy their football again, which was shown by a very good display away to Dundee United on Saturday.
The two-one victory flattered United, and Rangers will do well to repeat the same performance against their bitter rivals, Celtic.
Celtic have had their worst season for an decade, and will finish the season trophy less for the first time since 2003, although a UEFA Cup final appearance masked any disappointment that year.
But the Old Firm game gives them a chance to redeem themselves slightly in front of a capacity crowd, which has been lacking in recent months.
Although an Old Firm game is never meaningless, its importance is not quite as significant as ones before it.
Certainly, it may mean more to the fans of Celtic, as opposed to the Rangers supporters. They will be desperate for some salvation, and a win over Rangers may give them some hope for next season.
There is no doubt that Rangers will want to milk it and show the World why they are the best team in the land. A convincing win tonight could send the Hoops into further meltdown.
However, even if Rangers do get beat, their fans can turnaround and claim that they don’t care because they are Champions. True, but they will still feel a degree of hurt
The result will either be a draw or a narrow Celtic win. The home players will have more motivation than their light blue counterparts. They will be desperate to prove they are better than they have shown this season, while the Rangers ones will just continue to do what they have done so all campaign– work hard and play collectively.
Rangers, however, have a few injury and suspension problems. No Bougherra, Papac or Wilson in defence means Broadfoot, or, more likely, McCulloch will move into centre of defence to partner the near 40 year old Davie Weir.
It may also be the last chance Kris Boyd gets to score for Rangers at Celtic Park. The clubs top goalscorer looks set to leave Ibrox in the summer on a bosman and has a poor Old Firm record, although he is usually omitted from this fixture.
Nacho Novo, so often the hate figure amongst the Celtic support, may also be leaving at the end of the campaign, and you just know he would to grab another goal against them.
If you are watching, which I recommend you do, expect a frantic fast-paced game, with little football being played. However, there will be plenty of tackles, incidents and probably the odd sending off or two.
I can’t wait!
Since wrapping up the league title little over a week ago, Rangers have been able to relax and enjoy their football again, which was shown by a very good display away to Dundee United on Saturday.
The two-one victory flattered United, and Rangers will do well to repeat the same performance against their bitter rivals, Celtic.
Celtic have had their worst season for an decade, and will finish the season trophy less for the first time since 2003, although a UEFA Cup final appearance masked any disappointment that year.
Pride
But the Old Firm game gives them a chance to redeem themselves slightly in front of a capacity crowd, which has been lacking in recent months.
Although an Old Firm game is never meaningless, its importance is not quite as significant as ones before it.
Certainly, it may mean more to the fans of Celtic, as opposed to the Rangers supporters. They will be desperate for some salvation, and a win over Rangers may give them some hope for next season.
There is no doubt that Rangers will want to milk it and show the World why they are the best team in the land. A convincing win tonight could send the Hoops into further meltdown.
However, even if Rangers do get beat, their fans can turnaround and claim that they don’t care because they are Champions. True, but they will still feel a degree of hurt
The result will either be a draw or a narrow Celtic win. The home players will have more motivation than their light blue counterparts. They will be desperate to prove they are better than they have shown this season, while the Rangers ones will just continue to do what they have done so all campaign– work hard and play collectively.
Rangers, however, have a few injury and suspension problems. No Bougherra, Papac or Wilson in defence means Broadfoot, or, more likely, McCulloch will move into centre of defence to partner the near 40 year old Davie Weir.
It may also be the last chance Kris Boyd gets to score for Rangers at Celtic Park. The clubs top goalscorer looks set to leave Ibrox in the summer on a bosman and has a poor Old Firm record, although he is usually omitted from this fixture.
Nacho Novo, so often the hate figure amongst the Celtic support, may also be leaving at the end of the campaign, and you just know he would to grab another goal against them.
If you are watching, which I recommend you do, expect a frantic fast-paced game, with little football being played. However, there will be plenty of tackles, incidents and probably the odd sending off or two.
I can’t wait!
| 54 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
