Celtic Park will once again become a battleground for Glasgow’s pride and glory when Brendan Rodgers’ side hosts Rangers in the latest installment of their historic rivalry. This fourth meeting between the two clubs this season presents Celtic with a golden opportunity to further solidify their grip on the Scottish Premiership title.
A victory for Celtic would place them just two wins away from clinching the championship, marking another crucial milestone on their path to glory. On the other hand, Rangers, led by interim manager Barry Ferguson following Thursday’s exhilarating Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce, will be eager to bounce back and keep pace with their archrivals.
Can Ferguson Get the Better of Rodgers?
Barry Ferguson faced Celtic 39 times as a Rangers player, often donning the captain's armband, and thrived in the heat of battle between Glasgow’s big two. Now, he prepares for his managerial debut against his great rivals.
Recently, Ferguson guided Rangers to an impressive victory over Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the Europa League, demonstrating his tactical acumen and ability under pressure. However, he now faces a formidable challenge as he pits his wits against Brendan Rodgers, who boasts the best Old Firm winning ratio in managerial history.
Nobody has a better success percentage in this fixture than Rodgers, who has lost only two of his 21 games against Rangers. Despite his impressive record, one of those defeats came at Ibrox earlier this season when Celtic won 3-0 over the champions on January 7th.
As Ferguson takes charge from the dugout for the first time in a derby match, he must contend with Rodgers' expertise and the high expectations that come with leading Rangers against their fierce rivals. Can Barry Ferguson manage to outmaneuver Brendan Rodgers and secure a victory for his team?
This matchup promises not only on-field battles but also a test of managerial mettle, as both Ferguson and Rodgers aim to make their mark in this historic rivalry.
Who will emerge victorious? The clash at Celtic Park will be a pivotal moment that could define each manager's legacy.
Will Celtic Clinch Crown Before Split?
Celtic's victory over Rangers earlier this season, under then-manager Philippe Clement, was impressive but inconsequential in the broader context. With only one win out of 39 games against Celtic as a manager, Clement's solitary triumph did little to dent the gap between the teams, which had widened from 11 points to 16 since that game.
Rodgers also secured victory over Rangers on penalties in December's League Cup final, adding another notch to his impressive record. With just two more wins required—against Hearts and St Johnstone—Celtic could clinch their 55th title and their 13th in the last 14 seasons before the league splits.
Might Maeda Assume Kyogo Mantle?
For Rodgers, the emergence of Daizen Maeda has been nothing short of spectacular. The Japanese forward has hit 27 goals this season, rivaling Kyogo Furuhashi's best-ever tally of 34 in a single campaign. Maeda has also contributed nine assists, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the team.
Even with Kyogo scoring eight goals against Rangers during his time at Parkhead, Celtic have barely missed him. Maeda is now the focal point for their attack, making him a strong candidate for player of the year accolades.
How Will Fatigue Affect Rangers?
Ferguson acknowledges that fatigue will be a significant factor for his team. The squad played 120 minutes before the penalty shootout against Fenerbahce on Thursday, which was both physically and mentally draining. This leaves little time to recover before the crucial match against Celtic.
Key players like Cyriel Dessers and Mohamed Diomande were withdrawn early in the game against Fenerbahce, indicating that Rangers' energy levels are already depleted. With only a week to recuperate, it remains unclear whether they will be able to perform at their best against a well-rested Celtic side.
What Does Celtic Park History Tell Us?
The history of matches at Celtic Park favors the home team significantly. Rangers have won just twice in their last 20 visits to Parkhead, with the most recent double victory dating back to 2020. The absence of Callum McGregor due to a troublesome calf could provide an opportunity for Rangers, but his influence on the game is hard to overlook.
Celtic are in high spirits and ready to celebrate their title, with away fans attending the match for the first time since 2023. This atmosphere could be challenging for Rangers, who may already be running on fumes from their recent exertions.
In summary, Celtic's strong form and home advantage make them heavy favorites, while Rangers' fatigue and recent energy-draining matches could spell trouble for their chances of securing a win at Parkhead. The title race is heating up, and this match could be decisive in determining the outcome.