Rangers can’t catch Celtic in the league even with a Parkhead win – but losing would be catastrophic, writes Kris Boyd
WINNING at Parkhead won’t make a blind bit of difference in the title race for Rangers.
But losing could have a catastrophic effect on the rest of their season.
It would heap an enormous amount of pressure on Michael Beale’s side heading into the Scottish Cup semi-final at the end of the month.
And I’m not convinced they would be able to handle trying to stop Celtic winning the Treble.
Rangers players have walked off the pitch in the last two derby games with plenty of regrets.
They passed up a great opportunity to win at Ibrox when Kyogo Furuhashi got a late equaliser and then never turned up at Hampden in the Viaplay Cup final.
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On both occasions, Celtic weren’t near their best — but Beale’s men didn’t capitalise.
If it happens for a third time then it would have a major impact on their confidence before the latest Cup meeting — which is a final in all but name.
On the flip side, a victory would fill them with belief and be a real shot in the arm.
It won’t alter the course of the championship race as Celtic will not lose three games and draw another between now and the end of the campaign.
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That’s what would need to happen given the current gap is effectively ten points at the moment due to goal difference.
The league is already gone for Rangers, although they can still salvage something from the season.
But I would prefer to see them doing their talking on the pitch.
The comments of Connor Goldson the other day were hardly the most upbeat heading into a must-win match.
The defender claimed Rangers had stood still since winning title No55 and were now back to ‘square one’.
He’s right, but is now the correct time to be saying it publicly?
I’m not so sure the fans and his team-mates would be thrilled with such negativity.
Of course I get players and managers have media duties to fulfil.
But you need to be far cuter, especially in the build-up to an Old Firm clash, particularly one when the odds are stacked against you.
The fact Rangers have only won six times in their previous 41 visits to Parkhead highlights the enormity of the task.
I know from experience how hard it is to go there and come away with three points.
I have been part of teams who have gone there and won, though not very often.
It will be even tougher without any away fans and then there is the small matter of Celtic’s phenomenal home record under Ange Postecoglou.
There are a lot of factors in their favour and it is not hard to see why the bookies have them strong favourites.
However, as a player, these are the types of occasions you should relish.
You can’t beat heading into the lion’s den.
The best games to win are when you are really up against it.
When it comes to selection, the Celtic team pretty much picks itself.
Postecoglou has an embarrassment of riches and he has utilised his squad well this term. He really is a lucky man!
As for Rangers, it is not quite so straightforward for Beale in terms of personnel and formation.
It was interesting he finished the game against Dundee United last week with a back three. I don’t think he’ll do that today.
There is no doubt Rangers concede far too many goals of the same type against Celtic — from balls fired in across their penalty box.
Going to a back three might have helped — but I can’t see that happening.
They also have issues at the other end of the pitch.
A fit and firing Alfredo Morelos should be the first name on the teamsheet for this fixture. But the Colombian has been posted missing for most of the season.
The two Celtic centre-halves seem to have had his number and it would be a bold call to start him.
His opposite number Kyogo is a different type of striker but at least he can be guaranteed to turn up.
This is not the type of game for Antonio Colak either as he doesn’t have enough pace to cause the Hoops backline problems. The same as I was told.
There is the option of going with Fashion Sakala through the middle even though he is more effective coming off the right flank.
There is also the possibility that Beale could go without a recognised striker and opt for a false nine.
I said that earlier in the week but, to be honest, I can’t see it happening.
Malik Tillman, who scored twice last Saturday, would have been most likely to take that role but I expect him to fill the attacking midfield berth.
If he’s fully recovered from injury then I would play Nicolas Raskin.
You cannot get away with being half a yard off it in the engine room, especially as that is where Celtic are so strong.
Beale picked Tillman and John Lundstram for the last derby when they didn’t look 100 per cent and it backfired.
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The Rangers boss will not want to make the same mistake again.
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