Soccer Football - Scottish Cup Semi Final - Celtic v Rangers - Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - April 17, 2022 Rangers' Scott Arfield in action with Celtic's Cameron Carter-Vickers REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes Rangers’ fatigue could play into the Hoops’ hands in their crucial Scottish Premiership meeting.
The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead
Arguably the biggest league game of the season takes place at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon, as Ange Postecoglou’s side host their biggest rivals.
Celtic are six points clear with four matches remaining this season, so victory for them this weekend would surely mean them regaining their league crown.
It promises to be a nerve-shredding occasion between two of world football’s biggest adversaries.
The Latest: McAvennie discusses Rangers weakness
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie claimed that Rangers’ midweek Europa League makes the Hoops the resounding favourites on Sunday:
“I’m fairly optimistic we will get a result on Sunday. Celtic are well-rested and Rangers won’t be so we have to exploit that.
“I’m hoping we can blow Rangers away and I think with the crowd behind us then we will. Rangers just defended for their lives against Leipzig so that should tire them out.
“But the last time they faced us after a European game they won so we have to be at our best to get something. Hopefully there are goals, Kyogo will want an Old Firm goal to his name for sure.
“I think it will be a good game with lots of goals because Rangers need the win. If they commit men forward it will open them up at the back and we can swarm them. Ange will want a bit of revenge after that cup loss as well but I do think we will get the job done.”
The Verdict: Celtic undoubted favourites
McAvennie makes a fair point, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side getting through a huge amount of work on Thursday night, as they lost 1-0 away to RB Leipzig.
On the flip side, Celtic have had an entire week to prepare for the match, affording Postecoglou time on the training ground with his players, as well as keeping them fresh.
This certainly plays in their hands going into the game – it’s now a case of proving that they have more legs and quality, as they look for a priceless three points.
In other news, a pundit has reacted to a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.
About the Author
