The first major silverware of the Scottish football season will be decided as fierce Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers lock horns in the Scottish League Cup final at Hampden Park this Sunday. The stage is set for a compelling showdown, with kick-off scheduled for 3:30 PM GMT.
Table of Contents
- Celtic: Dominance Under Rodgers
- Rangers: Resurgence Under Clement?
- Key Battles and Tactical Challenges
- Where to Watch
- Verdict: Celtic the Favorites, Rangers the Underdogs
Celtic: Dominance Under Rodgers
Premiership leaders Celtic enter the contest as clear favorites, boasting an 11-point advantage over Rangers in the league. Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s dominance in the Old Firm derby is indisputable. Across his two managerial stints, Rodgers has suffered just one defeat in 19 meetings with Rangers. The Hoops have maintained their grip over these encounters, holding Rangers scoreless for nearly four hours of football and unbeaten in their last six derby clashes.
Kyogo Furuhashi remains a talisman for Celtic, scoring eight goals against Rangers in recent years, while captain Callum McGregor continues to orchestrate play with authority. Defensive solidity, led by Cameron Carter-Vickers, has been another hallmark of Celtic’s success. Despite injury concerns surrounding Odin Holm, the return of Alistair Johnson provides a boost for the Hoops.
Rangers: Resurgence Under Clement?
For Rangers, the final presents an opportunity to disrupt Celtic’s stranglehold and claim their first win over their rivals in over a year. Under Philippe Clement, Rangers are on a nine-game unbeaten run, including an impressive 1-1 draw with Tottenham in the Europa League. Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin has emerged as a key player, delivering a standout performance against Tottenham’s high-profile midfield.
However, history weighs heavily against Rangers. They have managed just one win in their last 13 Old Firm encounters. Scoring first, a feat they haven’t achieved in a meaningful derby since April 2022, will be crucial to turning the tide. Injuries to key players like John Souttar, Tom Lawrence, and Neraysho Kasanwirjo pose additional challenges, though Ianis Hagi and Hamza Igamane are expected to bolster the attack.
Key Battles and Tactical Challenges
The midfield battle will likely decide the game’s outcome, with Raskin facing the monumental task of containing McGregor. Rangers’ defense, led by James Tavernier, must find answers for Celtic’s dynamic attack featuring Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, and Nicolas Kuhn.
Celtic’s ability to adapt and find solutions under pressure makes them formidable. Their recurring themes of dominance—outpacing Rangers’ defense and converting critical moments—leave little margin for error for Clement’s side. The manager, who has yet to secure a victory over Rodgers in five attempts, will need to devise a flawless game plan.
Where to Watch
The match will be televised live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 3 PM GMT. Fans can also follow the action via the Premier Sports Player app or BBC Radio Scotland and live blogs on major sports platforms.
Verdict: Celtic the Favorites, Rangers the Underdogs
As the Old Firm derby once again takes center stage, Celtic’s recent record and overall dominance make them the favorites to claim their seventh League Cup title in eight years. However, Rangers’ recent resurgence under Clement offers a glimmer of hope for an upset. Whether the Light Blues can finally overcome their rivals remains the ultimate test.
One thing is certain: Hampden Park will witness an electrifying battle for supremacy.
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