Alan Thompson has predicted that Celtic will win Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox 1-0 – but has warned Ange Postecoglou’s side that they must keep Alfredo Morelos, Aaron Ramsey and Ryan Kent quiet.
In what is a crucial clash for the Scottish Premiership title and with only one point separating the two sides with eight games left, it is a proper showdown on Sunday afternoon. Celtic boast that one-point advantage.
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The spoils are shared this season, so far. Celtic won 3-0 last time out at Parkhead, but Rangers won 1-0 earlier in the season. Ex-Celtic and England star Thompson says it is must-win for Rangers, if they are to win the title.
But Thompson expects his old side to do the business and come away from Ibrox with a 1-0 win and a clean sheet. He has picked Ramsey, Morelos and Kent though, as danger men for Rangers – urging Celtic to defend well.
“I’m going to go 1-0 Celtic,” Thompson told Sky, as per Football Scotland. “A must win game for Rangers, the gap will be six if Celtic win. It is a must win game for Rangers if they want to go on and win the title.
“He’ll [Ramsey] be a big player on Sunday, he’s played in big games for Arsenal, Juventus and Wales. Celtic will certainly have to keep an eye on him, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos is a good player.”
Thompson on Celtic v Rangers: Where is the game won and lost
Giorgos Giakoumakis is likely to start up top for Celtic, a striker that the Rangers defence are much more likely to want to face – instead of Kyogo Furuhashi. He is not quick, but powerful, much like the Gers back line.
Ryan Jack will have to keep the likes of Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor quiet, while Anthony Ralston or Josip Juranovic will be tasked with looking after Kent. But the key battle is Celtic’s defence against Morelos.
If Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt, or whoever starts, can keep Morelos in check – then Celtic will give themselves the basis to go and win.
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