Kris Commons has tipped the “frightening” Celtic firepower to blow fragile Rangers away on Wednesday night.
This week’s Glasgow derby is set to be a massive night for both clubs. A win for Ange Postecoglou’s men would symbolise huge progress as his team would then go clear at the top of the Premiership. However, failure to get a result would see us remain in second place.
The momentum is all with the Hoops after a major set of results on Saturday. Rangers’ ropey defence shipped 3 goals up in Dingwall before Liel Abada netted a crucial winner against Dundee United to reel the Ibrox side in.
There have been plenty of pundits already underestimating the ability of Postecoglou’s men heading into the game [Daily Record]. But Commons believes Celtic have more than enough in their arsenal to hand Giovanni van Bronckhorst his first defeat as Rangers manager.
Speaking via his Scottish Daily Mail column [print edition, 31/01, page 64], Commons said: “Despite the fact they could be missing half a team, I still expect them to have too much firepower for Rangers. Celtic’s pace and movement up front is frightening at times. Jota has been a revelation in that respect, and Abada has also been superb since joining the club in the summer.
“Reo Hatate looks to be an outstanding technician in the middle of the park. It will be fascinating to see how he handles his first taste of the Old Firm derby. The same applies to Jota, Matt O’Riley, Giorgos Giakoumakis and Cameron Carter-Vickers. None of these guys were in the building when Celtic lost 1-0 at Ibrox back at the end of August.
“I believe Van Bronckhorst would bite your hand off right now if you offered him a point. Why? Because there is a flakiness and a fragility to Rangers at the moment which has been evident for much of the season.”
Rangers there to be got at for Celtic regardless of how deadline day ends
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Rangers at the moment as they desperately try to close out a deal for Aaron Ramsay. But even if they manage to pull that loan deal off, it doesn’t change anything from a Celtic perspective.
Rangers are still shaky at the back and there to be got at down the flanks also. We’re still going to have battles such as Jota vs James Tavernier and Liel Abada vs Borna Barisic. Not to mention Giorgos Giakoumakis is likely to ruffle Connor Goldson’s feathers a touch.
There are so many reasons as to why we should be buzzing heading into Wednesday night. Who they sign is immaterial. It won’t help them this week, and Celtic are coming for them fiercely.
That’s not to say that Wednesday night will be an easy game. It’s dangerous to be that delusional regarding the challenge we’ll undoubtedly face. But we know we have the talent within our squad to get the 3 points.
Celtic have relaxed today whilst Rangers are in full-on panic mode. The form of Postecoglou and his team has led to a fear factor growing within Govan. Something they won’t admit to of course but something you can see clearly in their actions.
A win for the Hoops on Wednesday and it really will be advantage Celtic in the title race, regardless of how many late loans Rangers get in the door.
In other news, Report: Kilmarnock can’t sign Celtic talent Adam Montgomery until they shift players on
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