The SPFL moved heaven and earth to ensure that the most decisive, most hotly-anticipated Old Firm derby in years would go ahead in front of a full capacity stadium on Wednesday night.
Celtic and Rangers were initially slated to go head-to-head on January 2nd, a date that would have seen Parkhead restricted to just 500 fans after Nicola Sturgeon introduced measures to prevent a spread of Omicron.
There was an almighty sigh of relief, then, when the game was rescheduled to February 2nd instead. Yes, an ongoing dispute between the Glasgow rivals means there will not be even an island of blue amongst a sea of green but even the most ardent Rangers supporter would have to admit that this is an occasion that deserves a crowd.
Even if it will be an overwhelmingly partisan one.
Though one has to wonder if Giovanni van Bronckhorst, at the back of his mind, is wishing that a potential title-decider had gone ahead when initially planned.
Alfredo Morelos, Rangers’ star striker and a major cog in Van Bronckhorst’s machine, will be absent due to international duty.
Kemar Roofe, meanwhile, is lacking match sharpness after a spell on the sidelines. And, in Morelos’ absence, the much-maligned Cedric Itten has performed with all the mobility of a battered old Citroen Berlingo with a broken clutch.
The Old Firm derby will also come too soon for Aaron Ramsey. So, put simply, where are the goals going to come from? Joe Aribo maybe. Ryan Kent perhaps. Could Amad Diallo maintain his thrilling start to life in Glasgow?
Either way, it’s difficult to ignore the feeling that Rangers are not quite as potent as they could be heading across the city.
Do Rangers need Frank Castaneda?
It’s too late in the day for Rangers to consider bringing in a 27-year-old free-agent to bolster their attacking ranks.
But if Itten once again toils in Morelos’ absence, then maybe Rangers will be tempted to reach out to a man who’s been without a club since his contract at Sheriff Tirasspol expired on January 1.
According to the Sunday Post, Frank Castaneda was not short of interest heading into the New Year. But, a month after leaving the reigning Moldovan champions, he is still on the market.
A move to Turkish outfit Samsunspor fell apart this week, according to Haber1965. Bundesliga strugglers Augsburg, meanwhile, shattered their transfer record on USA wonderkid Ricardo Pepi instead.
Celtic or Rangers?
So the ball’s in Rangers’ court.
Castaneda scored 28 goals in 35 games during the 2020/21 season. His speed, skill, versatility and eye for the spectacular – Castaneda can play anywhere across the frontline and netted an array of truly stunning goals during his time at Sheriff – could suit Van Bronckhorst’s style of football down to the ground too.
Tonight’s Old Firm blockbuster won’t just play a major role in deciding the destination of the title. It could also help make up Rangers’ mind about another mid-season addition.
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