Scottish Premiership: Celtic vs Rangers – A Clash of Dominance
Introduction:
The Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers is set to take place at Celtic Park on Sunday, 1st September. Bookmakers are overwhelmingly favoring Celtic to win, with odds-on favorites and a 4-1 price for a Rangers victory. The dominance of Celtic in recent seasons has made the fixture somewhat predictable, with Celtic usually coming out on top. However, Rangers have shown resilience and the ability to stay in the game, even when down to 10 men.
Celtic’s Dominance and Recent Form:
Celtic’s track record under manager Brendan Rodgers is impressive, with only one defeat in 18 Old Firm clashes. This season, they have started strongly, winning all three league games, scoring nine goals and conceding none. The team’s work-rate and pressing game have improved significantly compared to last season, making them harder to break down. The addition of new signings like Arne Engels, Auston Trusty, and Alex Valle has bolstered the squad and given Rodgers more options to choose from.
Rangers’ Challenges and Pressure on Manager Phillipe Clement:
Rangers, on the other hand, have faced numerous challenges in recent months. Manager Phillipe Clement is under pressure to deliver results, as a loss in this fixture could widen the gap between the two teams to five points. Clement hasn’t won any of his four Old Firm games so far, and the team has been dealing with issues such as the departure of established players and the need to adjust the squad on a tight budget. The signing of Nedim Bajrami from Sassuolo could provide a spark, but his clearance has not yet come through.
Key Players and Tactical Approach:
For Celtic, Callum McGregor has been a dominant figure in the fixture, while Kyogo Furushashi has been a reliable goalscorer. Rangers will need to disrupt McGregor’s authority and be ruthless in their approach to have a chance of victory. While the bookmakers heavily favor Celtic, recent history has shown that Rangers have the ability to stay in the game and make it competitive, even against a dominant Celtic side.
Conclusion:
The Celtic vs Rangers fixture has become somewhat predictable due to Celtic’s dominance in recent seasons. However, Rangers have shown resilience and the ability to stay in the game, making it a closely contested match. This season, both teams have made significant changes to their squads, adding new signings and strengthening their options. The pressure is on Rangers manager Phillipe Clement to deliver a big win and close the gap between the two teams. As always, the Old Firm clash promises to be an intense and intriguing battle between two of Scottish football’s biggest rivals.