It is safe to say that this weekend’s Old Firm match between Rangers v Celtic is pretty much a league decider. Now some may have doubts about this, given that Hearts are four points clear of Rangers at the top of the table. But the simple reality is that while Hearts are in with a chance of winning the league, it is Rangers or Celtic who will almost certainly prevail. This is not, of course, certain. This is why we said ‘almost’ certainly. But the chances are that Rangers or Celtic will win the league. The last time a non Old Firm team won the league was back in the 80s. So consequently, we do not expect that to repeat itself, but it is not impossible. That said, what is impossible is that an Old Firm match would ever mean nothing. And of course, that is very much not the case this weekend.
All Eyes on Rohl
Danny Rohl has all the pressure on him. Bizarre to say that the champions are possibly with less expectation on themselves right now, but Celtic are not in the best shape, having come off the back of a bad loss to Hibs and of course midweek football, which will almost certainly see a humbling. Rangers have no midweek football. And even although the result at the weekend was a poor one, the pressure is very much on Rohl to make a big, big statement against Martin O’Neill. With four points at the top of the table to Hearts. Rangers want to keep the pressure on Celtic.
The Game in Hand Factor
Celtic winning this match would put them second and take away a massive advantage that Rangers have in being the non midweek side for the current moment, as mentioned in the previous article. It is imperative that Rangers win this one, and the pressure on Rohl to do so is gigantic. Martin O’Neill has that game in hand against Aberdeen. Technically speaking, he lost the little bit of advantage he had with that defeat to Hibs, but nevertheless, the Aberdeen match is three points potentially in their pocket. Celtic will very, very much hope that they can secure the three points there and they will be coming to Ibrox to try to secure a huge win in Govan.
Advantage Whoever Wins
Whoever wins this match, it is safe to say it is advantage to them in the league. Neither side, of course, can go top, which is unprecedented when it comes to Rangers and Celtic. But nevertheless, the champions are probably going to be hugely hinted at in this one. It is a top of the table clash between two sides who are not having the best seasons, either of them, while Hearts have been holding their own at the summit. But nevertheless, very few betting men would ever put big money on Hearts to win the league. It almost certainly will be Rangers or Celtic.
Deliver on the Big Stage
The question is, who is going to get the spoils this weekend between Rangers v Celtic? If Celtic win, they go second, and there will be advantage to them with a game in hand. If Rangers win, we will go further away from Celtic, but they will still have their game in hand as well. Those three points could be pivotal regarding the outcome of this title. But Rohl must deliver. He got it wrong last time around v Livi. He most certainly got it wrong against Motherwell. Indeed, Rangers’ away form at the moment is abysmal. Home form has hardly been spectacular either.
Form and Selection Concerns
The only one that was a genuinely good match was against Hearts. It was a solid 4-2 victory, which of course, once again, saw Youssef Chermiti turning into Messi for 90 minutes. But we cannot expect that every time, and indeed, we do not. We have already explained how Chermiti is a waste of money and has only performed twice in 30 matches, nowhere near good enough. Ryan Naderi also appears to be a bit of a misguided signing, but we called that one out ages ago.
No More Excuses
Regardless, however, Rohl has to put out a Rangers team that is going to beat Celtic. Of course, Celtic are down a couple of players. Carter-Vickers and Jota have been out all season. And of course, as we say, they will be lower energy coming back from midweek football. But at the end of the day, both teams have ‘excuses’. The simple fact is, whoever wins this one has made a gigantic stride in the direction of the title. There will be more twists and turns to come, of course, but this one is a huge statement. Let us hope for Rangers v Celtic that Danny Rohl gets it right.