Merry Christmas … The Old Firm Cometh
By: Ian Rose | December 23rd, 2008Glasgow is getting ready for the most important match of the season. Yes, I realize that it’s still a few weeks until the big Partick Thistle – Caley Thistle Scottish Cup match, but I’m talking about another game, some would say an even bigger game, the season’s second Old Firm derby.
Celtic comes in battered, and a bit divided, but top of the league by four points. Rangers, still rubbing their bums not only from blowing the league lead last season but also from their early European exit, know this is a rare chance to make up points on the leaders.
As a neutral party (can’t say I like one much better than the other), I can’t call this one. Rangers have Kris Boyd, who turned down his Scotland shirt because he didn’t like the boss, making him essentially dead to me. Still, the boy scores goals. Lots. The Hoops have no lack of scoring talent either, with Scott McDonald in fine form, and Koki Mizuno apparently up for it himself. Both sides are strong at the back as well, with the two allowing 36 goals in a combined 38 games. This will be the last Old Firm derby for Jean Claude Darcheville, who will very much want to leave on a goal, but as usual, probably won’t.
In the end, I definitely give an edge to the home side in the derby. Rangers haven’t lost at Ibrox yet this season, and I can’t see them starting now. But Celtic won’t let them run with it, and they’ll sit on Mr. Patriotic for every moment he’s on the pitch. Since I hate predicting draws, I’ll go 2-1 to Rangers.
Category: Scottish Premier League
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Exact same prediction that I stated on my site Ian – I can’t see Rangers losing this game given their record at Ibrox against Celtic. In the past four games players at Ibrox between the two sides – Rangers have won three and drawn once, Celtic have not won any and in all four games only managed to score once against Rangers 7.
Definately a 2-1 victory for Rangers – much as it pains me to say it.
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