As Rangers continue to feel the effects of being dumped out of the UCL by Malmo, Celtic could be handed a fine Glasgow Derby advantage later this month.
Ange Postecoglou will take charge of his first game against our rivals on August 29th. The clash will take place at Ibrox, and it wasn’t long ago people were fearful of what could happen on that date.
However, a week is a long time in football so they say. Goodness knows how different a fortnight can change things then. In this instance, the pendulum is swinging Celtic’s way as we continue to build up our own confidence levels whilst Rangers stumble with the label of “Champions”.
And now, after being dumped out by Malmo, Rangers could be in real trouble. Their Europa League playoff tie will be against either Kairat Almaty or Alashkert respectively.
If going by the draw made by UEFA, it would appear that Rangers will be away in the second leg. That would mean a hellish trip to either Kazakhstan or Armenia just days before they face Celtic.
Of course, depending on how scheduling plays out, Celtic could be in Holland facing Alkmaar on the same night. It isn’t standard practice for Celtic and Rangers to both be at home in the same night. Therefore, if Celtic’s tie is switched, our rivals could be facing just under an 8000-mile or 4900-mile round trip that will have serious effects on their players’ fatigue.
Celtic could have a big Glasgow Derby opportunity
Again, this would be great news for Celtic. Whilst confirmation of the ties’ details have yet to be made, it’s looking likely that one will be at home whilst the other is away. The first legs take place on August 19th.
Trips such as the one facing our rivals can have all sorts of effects on them. Player knocks and tiredness will almost certainly be affected in some capacity. Leaving Celtic with a chance to exploit any major weariness in their rivals.
Of course, we’re not naive either. It’s a derby game, and Gerrard will have his players fired up. They’ll know of its importance and they won’t come into it half asleep. But you can’t hide fatigue, and that’s something Celtic should be looking to take advantage of.
Words cannot describe the importance of a win in Govan. A positive result would do Celtic a power of good in both the title race and the general feeling towards where Postecoglou is taking this side.
The early signs have been promising. Our football has been impressive, the new signings are adding a freshness to the team, whilst our rivals don’t look anything like the “invincible” league winners of last season.
The tide could truly be turning in Glasgow. August 29th will be an indicator of whether that’s the case. And Rangers, as punishment for defeat to Malmo, could now be faced with a daunting trip in the build-up to it.
In other news, Malmo player sends message to Celtic defender after dumping out rivals
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