The Celtic Bhoys
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Celtic vs Rangers: The three key battles

By Scott Alcroft

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 23: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers encourages his team from the sideline during the William Hill Scottish Cup Semi-Final between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Hampden Park on April 23, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 23: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers encourages his team from the sideline during the William Hill Scottish Cup Semi-Final between Celtic FC and Rangers FC at Hampden Park on April 23, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Glasgow Derbies as they’re called now due to the demise of Rangers Football Club are only won on the pitch.

On paper, Celtic should wipe the floor with the Boys in Blue but as we all know, Fitba isn’t played on paper. The crowd can be the twelfth man on the day as well. I’ll examine where those key battles will be won and lost on the field this Saturday.

I recently watched an Interview with ex Rangers player Kevin Thomson. In that interview he stated that Walter Smith always knew that Celtic had the better technically gifted players and were better than his Rangers side that Thomson played in.

One thing they couldn’t beat Smith’s men in though was a fight. They turned the game into a fight instead of a Fitba match and usually came out on top. I think that’s the only way Caixinha’s Men have a chance on Saturday. Do they have that fight though? I think our Captain would have something to say about that!!

Alfredo Morelos Vs Dedryck Boyata.

It looks like Simunovic will be 50/50 for the game on Saturday so we’re going to go with Boyata as the man who’ll have the task of keeping Morelos quiet on Saturday. Brendan Rodgers has confirmed today that Simunovic will be fit enough to at least be in the squad so here’s hoping the big man makes it.

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I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen of Morelos and with our defence not being settled all season just yet, I think the young man might have a chance or two to score. If Sevco do get a chance on Saturday and it falls to Morelos, then don’t be surprised if it ends up in the onion bag. Boyata will have to use all his experience against the youngster but Morelos could nick a goal.

Graham Dorrans v Scott Brown

This is the one we’re all waiting to see. “Dorrans is better than Broony” is all we hear at work. “Why is Broony and all the other Celtic Midfielders keeping him out the Scotland squad then”? is my reply.

This will be a tasty battle. Brendan Rodgers himself admitted he tried to sign Dorrans whilst Swansea manager so he’s definitely a player, or was one…. Broony will bully him and coast through this game as he normally does. This is where the game is won and lost in these games and our Midfield is just far too strong.

Bruno Alves v Leigh Griffiths

Will any of the both of them start on Saturday? Alves is struggling with injury and with Moussa Dembele back in the frame, will Griffiths start as well? I think Alves and Griffiths will both start. They can’t afford to play young Ross McCrorie in this fixture.

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Can they? Alves will be around 60% fit if he starts and it won’t take long for the OAP to start showing that. Griffiths and Dembele love a bit of Hunskelping and Saturday will be no different.

My honest opinion is that we’ll win by two goals at least. I’m gonna say 3-1 but it could be a Cricket score again. We’re miles ahead and will prove that again on Saturday. Hail Hail!!

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