Three Things Rangers Must Do To Stop Celtic From Clinching The Premiership Title This Weekend
The Old Firm Derby comes around once again just 14 days after Rangers were beaten 4-0 by their Glasgow rivals in the Scottish Cup Semi-final. The result means that Celtic are still on for a historic double treble and they now have the chance to win the league against Rangers at Celtic Park this weekend.
Rangers manager Graeme Murty will be desperate to not let that happen and with rumours this week that Steven Gerrard will be taking over at Ibrox next season, this may be Murty’s last chance to get one over his Old Firm rivals.
The top of the table clash will be made all the tastier with the title on the line but what can Rangers do to beat Celtic for the first time in 10 games?
Put an arm around Alfredo Morelos
Alfredo Morelos has an awful record in Old Firm derbies and I am sure that the Celtic fans will be quite excited to see the Colombian lining up against them.
However, Morelos is an effective goalscorer and has 29 goals in all competitions this season. If he is given enough service, he might be able to spoil Celtic’s party.
Stop Scott Brown
The Celtic captain and talisman relishes the challenge of an Old Firm Derby, and the opportunity to win the title will have the 32-year-old licking his lips. However, he has lost a yard or two of pace and can labour into challenges.
If Rangers can force him to run to places that he doesn’t want to go, then they will have a chance of changing the tide of the game. If Scott Brown starts to tire, then that would mean him not being able to effectively mark the Rangers attackers, which would give them more time on the ball and more opportunities to score.
Sort out the defence
Fourteen days ago against Celtic, Rangers were overrun and they struggled defensively against the talents of Tom Rogic and Moussa Dembele. So, Ross McCrorie (who was sent off in that game) and Russell Martin will have to step up a level if they wish to compete.
The aim for Murty must be to keep it tight and hit the Bhoys on the break. For that to succeed, they will need their whole team to perform well defensively, which is a tough ask.