Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s Scottish Football Extra that he thinks Ange Postecoglou will drop Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy against Rangers at Ibrox on Monday – as the two sides prepare for what could end the Scottish title race.
With Celtic sitting nine points clear at the top of the Premiership, Rangers really have to win to keep their title chances alive. At least, avoid defeat, because Rangers would find themselves a huge 12 points behind. Celtic may take a draw.
However, Rangers are improving and players are returning from injury. Since Michael Beale arrived at the club, the Gers have picked up four straight wins – the latest, a comfortable 3-0 victory over Motherwell. Two clean sheets in a row.
With the game being at Ibrox, Rangers will have every chance but Celtic’s 18 wins from 19 league games makes them the favourites. Sutton thinks Reo Hatate will move back into midfield from right-back, at the expense of Mooy.
“The midfield area is so interesting. Hatate is the best midfielder in the country, in my opinion. I suspect he will step up into midfield and two-goal Aaron Mooy, who has started to grow in a Celtic jersey – I think he might be benched.”
Sutton: Postecoglou will drop Celtic midfielder Mooy against Rangers
While it is harsh on Mooy, who as Sutton says, has been excellent after his brace against Hibernian – it is probably the right decision. There could be scope for Celtic to drop Matt O’Riley, but his eight assists in 19 league games is superb.
He is the creative source in the midfield, Hatate is the engine room and Callum McGregor is the first name on the team sheet. Difficult for Mooy to break in, who has done of late because Hatate has been playing on the right of defence.
But with Josip Juranovic and Alistair Johnston available for selection now, one of those will surely start. Hatate moves into midfield and Mooy is the obvious one that comes out of the side ahead of Monday’s clash at Ibrox.
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