How 8 leading pundits see Rangers vs Celtic shaking out as Ally McCoist spots something telling in ‘erratic’ champs

As the clock runs down to Sunday’s massive derby match, four former players from each team have provided their important verdict.

It was often claimed by Jock Stein that only an idiot would attempt to forecast the outcome of an Old Firm match.

Ally McCoist, a former striker for the Rangers, has put in a lot of effort to help his old team win 2-1 at Ibrox. Kenny Miller, a former player for both teams, called it the biggest rivalry in over a decade.

With just one point separating them at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, it’s undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated meetings of the bitter rivals in years, even though Rangers have a game in hand over the Hoops, who hold that slim edge. We examine what some derby alums have to say about the forthcoming match, in which the Glasgow giants will face off against Rangers for the 439th time in one of the most iconic fixtures in football history. As Celtic looks to win three straight games against the Rangers this season, there won’t be any visiting supporters.

McCoist, Ally

The legendary Rangers striker, in an interview with talkSPORT BET, predicted that his former team would defeat Celtic 2-1 and go on to win the Scottish Premiership handily in what he called a “long overdue” championship match.

The Old Firm Derby on Sunday is a coin toss; I don’t see anything separating the two teams. In Rangers’ most recent game at Ibrox against Celtic, they were terribly unlucky to have a goal disallowed for nothing and Kyogo Furuhashi score a fantastic goal—one that, to be fair, he has always been more than capable of scoring. It will be crucial that the Rangers enjoy the home field advantage in this match. While previous Firm games hold great significance, this one is even more crucial! Rangers will make significant progress towards winning the Scottish Premiership if they can win this match. There’s no denying that Celtic’s origins have occasionally been unpredictable. There has also been some dissatisfaction in their camp, but in an Old Firm derby, anything can happen. Rangers will, in my opinion, win the match 2-1 and the championship, but only narrowly.”

The Jackie McNamara
The former head coach of the Houston Rockets told Sky Sports that he thinks it’s critical the team doesn’t lose as they try to win three straight titles.

“Celtic has won its first two games of the year, and other teams are the ones that are sitting in. Their issues this season haven’t been with the Rangers. Rangers should be at home with the support they have to attempt and control the ball, which opens up space. I believe Celtic may cause damage if they maintain their effort from the beginning (Rangers). There aren’t many games left, therefore it’s incredibly vital. Rangers clearly have the advantage in this game, and Celtic must win in order to advance to the next round. Nothing would be worse than a tie.

Kenny Miller

Speaking to Ladbrokes FanZone, the former striker—who has represented both teams—said that this derby is the largest in a DECADE.

Rangers have the opportunity to move up to the top of the table by two points with their remaining game. Celtic, on the other hand, have clearly shed more points than Rangers over the past few months since Philippe Clement took over. For Celtic, not losing is extremely, extremely crucial. I simply believe that it will be a serious blow to them and their hopes of winning the title intellectually and psychologically.

With six games remaining, Celtic would have a mountain to climb if they were to see Rangers five points ahead of them in the table after having previously given up a seven-point advantage. With players recovering from injury, both teams will almost have their whole roster back: Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Reo Hatate are all expected to return. On the other side, Abdallah Sima is expected to return, Todd Cantwell is expected to play, and Rabbi Matondo is expected to play. It appears that all of these players will be playing at their highest level as the season draws to a close. This is, in my opinion, the largest Old Firm gathering in more than ten years. When I attempt to recall a bigger game, I usually think about the 2008–09 campaign. In that season, we were in a scenario quite similar to this one, but we were the ones pursuing Celtic, so our match at Ibrox meant even more because they were leading the team at that point in the season. We went on to win the league championship after winning that game.”

Hartson John
Speaking on GO Radio, the former Parkhead strike hero made an unexpected forecast.

“Both groups will be eager to get going. Put their mark on the match, hold onto the ball, and annoy the opposition. Celtic is known for their excellent ball control. That’s a component of their strategy including [Matt] O’Riley and [Reo] Hatate, as well as, of course, whether Tomoki Iwata or Callum McGregor makes it to kickoff. Due the home advantage and the absence of any Celtics supporters (Ibrox), Rangers will prevail. Whether Celtic can play freely and make it an open game, or if that puts a little more strain on them. However, I believe that high press is the Rangers’ best chance of beating Celtic. maintaining a straight line, and the audience will undoubtedly be catching up. Celtic will occasionally need to play excellent defence and break. They’ll probably try to go on the counterattack. The widemen Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn are also essential to that, in addition to Cameron Carter-Vickers. Both of them move quickly. They will feel pressure from [James] Tavernier and [Borna] Barisic to refocus on their own objective. Kyogo has scored in both of this season’s games, as well. That incredible goal at Celtic Park and the victor at Ibrox. This is a high stakes game. Elite athletes are noticeable and typically make a difference. Rangers and Celtic both own a pair of them. Making a call is so hard. The home advantage is the sole reason I consider the Rangers to be a little favourite.

Kris Boyd
The former striker for Rangers and Sky Sports analyst is aware of the opposition’s weak points.

“I believe that under Philippe Clement, they have turned it around; they do appear to be a different team entirely. Home advantage could be crucial going into an Old Firm game at home. You have to fancy yourselves.” But Celtic’s speed at the top of the pitch is something we have witnessed previously. Maeda, they are going to need to play excellent defence against Kyogo’s movement. It is something I am eager to see.

Alan Thompson

The former midfield player disregarded the absence of away fans and developed a practice of turning himself into a Derby hero.

On the pitch, it’s eleven against eleven. Whatever is happening on the pitch, no matter how many supporters they have or Celtic’s, all that matters is that you can handle the situation. The team who can handle the pressure, manage to get the ball down, maintain composure under pressure, and do other things like that will most likely win the match.

Craig Moore
Speaking on GO Radio, the former Ibrox defender made no attempt to downplay the importance of the match.

“This is, in my opinion, the biggest Old Firm game I’ve seen in a very long time. If Rangers win both this game and their postponed game against Dundee, I believe they will win the title. I think that’s huge. Given the momentum at this point and the little time remaining until the end of the season, I believe it would be too significant to reverse if the Rangers were to take the lead.

Chris Sutton
The Sky Sports analyst and journalist for Record Sport is aware that there will be a crucial decision about the Hoops skipper.

It comes down to Callum McGregor’s level of fitness. How much work he puts in this week is crucial since it won’t be the same as training if he has been riding a bike at a gym for five or six weeks. With McGregor in the lineup, Celtic are a stronger team, therefore Brendan Rodgers will have to make a choice. But he cannot play if he is not fit, or if he is just somewhat fit. Reo Hatate’s return, together with Cameron Carter-Vickers’ performance against Livingston, is a huge plus for Celtic. In their two meetings against Rangers this season, Celtic has been outstanding. Celtic will be aware that this is a new Rangers squad, as Michael Beale was a bluffer in his previous role. Now that they have a knowledgeable manager in place, the squad has been inspired and given new life. They are heading in the correct way. It’s not feasible to call, though. This game’s beauty lies in that. Any scoreline can result in anything.”

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