Former Celtic ace Kris Commons is backing his former side to beat Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final this weekend.
Ange Postecoglou’s side are heading into the final in superb form, having won each of their last nine games.
The Bhoys have managed to turn on the style during their brilliant run too. They have scored at least four goals in five out of their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
Rangers are also heading into the Viaplay Cup final off the back of a consistent run, putting together a flawless record since the 2-2 draw in the Glasgow Derby last month. But Commons believes the Hoops will have too much for Beale’s side on the day, especially in the middle of the park.
Commons tips Celtic to beat Rangers
Writing in his latest column for The Scottish Daily Mail [20/02 print edition, page 62], Commons is expecting the final to be decided in midfield. And with Rangers facing a nervy wait on some of their options in the position, the former Celtic man believes his old side could end up blowing their rivals away.
“Since drawing 2-2 at Ibrox at the start of January, both teams have reeled off nine straight wins and are playing with confidence,” the 39-year-old said.
“But Celtic’s relentless run of form extends way beyond that. With the exception of the draw at Ibrox, they’ve won every single domestic fixture they’ve played since mid-September. It’s an absolutely phenomenal run of form – and that’s why I make them firm favourites heading into the cup final on Sunday afternoon.
“Rangers could well be facing an injury crisis in midfield, with Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Malik Tillman all facing a race to be fit.
“Ultimately, the middle of the park is where these games are won and lost. Celtic have the capability to just overpower teams in central midfield. They can blow you away with their pressing and intensity. If they click into top gear, Rangers could be dizzy watching them pop the ball around for fun.”
Commons makes a great point that Celtic have the capability to completely dominate teams in the middle of the park when players such as Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are firing. Rangers are no different, as they felt earlier in the season at Paradise.
The likes Hatate and Aaron Mooy have been in exceptional form recently, with the latter looking likely to make it back in time for the huge clash.
There’s no denying that Rangers have improved significantly under Beale compared to the tail-end of the Giovanni van Bronckhorst reign, but Postecoglou’s men have been consistently brilliant over the course of the whole season.
In what could be considered as a tight, fifty-fifty game, it’s time for the Bhoys to show their class again.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou superbly shuts down media’s Celtic treble talk.
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