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Rangers take on Celtic for a Commanding Lead Saturday, 27 February 2010 05:58 Written by Nvager

Rangers versus Celtic at Ibrox Stadium, Sunday February 28, 2010. Kick-off 12:30 PM.

Rangers have played one less game than Celtic thanks to last weekend's game with Saint Johnstone suffering a last minute postponement. Rangers are top of the SPL with 58 points from 25 games, and have a goal difference of +43 goals. Celtic have 51 points from 26 games and have a goal difference of +23 goals.

This match is crucial.
A win for either gives that team a terrific boost going forward. If Rangers win they go 10 points clear with a game in hand. If Celtic win then the point differential is suddenly 4 with another Old Firm game yet to be played at Celtic Park. That is one heck of a positive swing to the winner. The loser is suddenly deflated.

In the end I predict a momentous day and Rangers on their way to title #53

Celtic have strengthened their side, but still doubts remain about their defence. Players are injured, but with young players brought in they still managed a clean sheet versus Dundee United on Saturday. Some older players may be fit to return Sunday.

Walter Smith has no injury problems for once except for Alan McGregor who obtained some injuries when attacked in the city centre this weekend. We have heard no official comment from Ibrox, so Alan's fitness is uncertain at this time. If he is not fit then Neil Alexander will play in goal. Neil was named in the Scottish squad this past week in lieu of Alan and his injuries, so he is a more than capable deputy if called upon.

Walter now has a lot of choice when planning his team formation and personnel. I personally am convinced he will start the team that played Hibernian at Ibrox a couple of weeks ago if Mcgregor is fit. The team then may be: McGregor/Alexander, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, Davis, McCulloch, Thomson, Beasley, Miller and Boyd.

Walter has used various formations aginst Celtic in the past and surprised us at times with his team selection and tactics. He may do so again, but we are at home and Celtic's weakness would appear in defence so the the team named above seems a reasonably good choice in my opinion. That is not to say that Walter may change tactics and play one up front, but to me that would be overly cautious giving that the Celtic defence has been leaking goals. If he does that who drops out? Boyd our leading scorer? Or Miller who has been a vital part of the team this season?

There is choice and Novo, Lafferty, Edu, Fleck and Naismith could all play in midfield, but would that really strengthen the team?

We need goals and an on form Miller and Boyd is our best bet to score.

Anything except a Celtic win will send the Rangers fans home happy as we will retain a minimum 7 point advantage that could be as much as 13 if we win this game and our game in hand. A Celtic victory will encourage Celtic and their fans that they can go on an unbeaten run and regain the title.

Players will be nervous and the team that shrugs off the pressure and plays good direct football will win. This is a HUGE game and I expect it will be hard fought and that there will be some yellow cards dished out. If someone sees red they may well cost their team dearly. This game will also almost definitely see the referee have to make some very difficult decisions. Let's hope he calls them correctly. If not there is likely to be even more critical decisions a few minutes later. The atmosphere will be electric, so those that can stay calm and use their heads will be better placed to succeed. Let's hope the Rangers team stays as calm and as focused as possible. If they do that, they will win this game and that will go a long way to securing title #53.

My guess is that Rangers will win by one goal. I predict Rangers 3-2 Celtic.

I have a feeling also that there may be trouble before and after this match as so much is at stake, especially for Celtic supporters tommorow. They know that a loss or even a draw will lengthen the odds of them winning the title and every decision will be scrutinised.

 

 

 

 

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