“Celtic there for the taking” as Rangers welcome Stavros
Rangers v Celtic - Scottish Premiership - Ibrox Stadium Rangers Kemar Roofe scores their side s third goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. Issue date: Sunday May 2, 2021. Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJanexBarlowx 59532299
So it’s been a lively 24+ hours in Scottish football. Rangers’ dismal showing last night, Celtic’s, the draw for the UEL, and of course the build up to Sunday’s maiden Old Firm of the season.
The harsh reality right now is that for all the criticism Rangers are rightly receiving for such a poor start to the season following the glory of 55, Celtic aren’t a whole lot better.
They slapped two bottom sides (including one down to 10 men), with a goal tally not a million miles away from Rangers’ v County, and they lost to a mid-table side, just like Rangers have.
Last night AZ put Celtic in their place, exposed all the failings the media had concealed, and while this Kyogo chap is prolific, those goals have hidden the side’s weaknesses.
Both sets of fans are wary about this one, because both sides have a lot to lose on Sunday.
Neither team’s defence is overly convincing, and while our knowledge of things Parkhead is understandably limited, any momentum they got a week or two ago isn’t quite so apparent now.
Celtic are much more there for the taking than it seemed.
But Rangers’ own weaknesses have been a problem all season, and last night exposed them in the worst ways possible.
Alfredo Morelos’ profligacy in front of goal, a lack of work ethic, a lack of incision and a lack of ruthlessness. Alashkert were down to 10 men and once again Rangers couldn’t exploit that.
In truth, we couldn’t even pretend to have a guess at the outcome on Sunday.
It could, however, be one of the most fascinating Old Firms for a long time.