Kenny Dalglish backs Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis; makes class derby prediction

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Kenny Dalglish thinks Celtic will win the upcoming derby against Rangers and has predicted Giorgos Giakoumakis could well be the ‘matchwinner’.

Giakoumakis has come in for criticism at Celtic this season for not making the impact expected after his move from VVV-Venlo, where he was the Eredivisie top scorer last year.

Although he’s had injury problems, performances like yesterday’s against Dundee United haven’t helped. But we can only hope that was an off day.

Dalglish likes what he sees from Giakoumakis, and other signings such as Matt O’Riley, writing in his Sunday Post column: “New signing Matt O’Riley looks a proper player and I was also impressed with Giorgos Giakoumakis. Giakoumakis has had his time at Celtic constantly interrupted by injury but he is really looking the part.

“He had a great finish against Alloa in the Scottish Cup last weekend and followed it up with another brilliant execution on Wednesday.

“He has sort of burst on to the scene in the past week or so, and he could very well end up making a right name for himself in the Old Firm game. If he is handed the centre-forward role by Ange, then the Greek striker looks to have it in his locker to be a potential matchwinner.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish football legend also goes on to give a firm derby prediction, writing: “Right now, though, there isn’t much between the teams in terms of results and performances. But I would have Celtic down as slight favourites to win this match.

“It’s never wise to choose a winner, but I think home advantage gives Celtic the edge as we head into the game.”

Backed by a sold-out Celtic Park, with no away fans in attendance, the Bhoys should really be capable enough of bringing the game to the visitors and putting them on the back foot.

For me, it’s going to come down to whether the Bhoys can take their chances. That’s been a struggle at points this season, but we know this team has the quality to step up and go top of the table.

In other news, No mind games as Ange Postecoglou definitively rules Kyogo out of Celtic derby.