So the Co-op Insurance League Cup Final is only a day away now, fans across the country are gearing up to see Celtic and Rangers do battle once again. Hoping that this time it is not another drab encounter like the league match at Celtic Park back in February.
Two of our Fan contributors look at their side and comment on who must turn up for the game, who can provide that killer touch and who could be a liability or such.
Can Walter Smith win another League Cup and send Rangers on their way towards a Domestic Treble? Or can Strachan mastermind a victory against Celtic’s arch rivals, stopping them from winning the treble and securing their first piece of silverware of the season before going on to win the SPL title for a fourth successive year?
Ian D. Rangers Fan - Kris Boyd won’t start, I’m certain of that. He may have been a “will he or won’t he” contender for Sunday to keep Gordon Strachan guessing, however this week’s heroic’s on the training ground will have put paid to that.
That said, if it was up to me I would make him the first name on the teamsheet. He has everything to prove, he scores for fun but is still written off. He’s just had a midweek run-in with his club manager and is still reeling from his bust up with George Burley who will no doubt be in the stands.
I’d be desperate to throw him out there and say “Go on then son, do the business.” The man who was deadly in last year’s League Cup success I would have no doubt would put Celtic away. However, I can’t see Smith giving him the chance, and a place on the bench will be an achievement enough.
Therefore, Walter will go 4-5-1. He’ll go for pace with Kenny Miller up front, put five across the middle, and Celtic will have their work cut out creating chances. Mendes and a back on form Ferguson will win the cup for Rangers in the engine room. Fleck will also stamp his authority on this game.
He was decent in the Old Firm encounter at Parkhead but Hampden is where the teenage heroes come alive.
Despite Celtic’s cup defeat, it should still be noted they put seven past St Mirren the week before so all the talk about Celtic’s failure to score should be ignored. If they are on song it’ll be a busy day for Allan McGregor.
I think it’ll be tight, it may well be a case of extra-time and penalties. But the Rangers havn’t lost a cup final this this mob since 1989 and Gordon Strachan isn’t about to change that statistic. 2-1 to the Gers.
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