Ally McCoist’s warning to Rangers about Celtic game

The build up to next weekend’s Celtic vs Rangers match at Ibrox is well underway. And Ally McCoist seems to be worried about the prospect of a defeat for his old team. It will be the first of a series of three matches between the Glasgow giants over the coming weeks, which will go a long way to helping determine the league winners and of course the Scottish Cup finalists.

McCoist recognises that the Rangers have been off form a little in domestic football, but excellent in their European matches. On the other hand, Celtic have been in good form in their domestic matches. Currently they are on an unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership since October.

Thus, this could be tight affair between Scotland’s two best teams. Currently, Celtic do have a three-point advantage in the title race.

McCoist appears to believe that defeat for the Rangers in next week’s match is unthinkable and would make the gap far too big. As reported by Sky Sports, he said:

"“But from Rangers’ point of view, defeat is unthinkable as I think it would make the gap [to Celtic] far too big.“But I don’t see that, I think both teams have a little bit of form. Rangers in Europe have been excellent, domestically the form’s been a little bit a bit up and down. They had a massive win at Dundee where they didn’t play particularly well but they’re hanging onto Celtic’s coattails. And with this game coming up, I think we’re going to see a different Rangers.“It’s a game they certainly cannot afford to lose and I think they’ll certainly go about their business in a manner that they have to win the game.”"

Celtic and the Rangers are set to play some huge games

Of course, the European exploits may well add an extra toll for the Rangers players to overcome with home and away legs against Braga to squeeze in after the next league match and ahead of the Scottish Cup semi final against Celtic. There appears to be an injury worry surrounding Alfredo Morelos as well.

Ange Postecoglou, on the other hand, while disappointed to have seen the Hoops drop out of Europe, should be delighted to see more time between matches and further players returning from injury and available for selection. Confidence will undoubtedly be high in the Celtic camp.

This is a huge game for both sides. A win for Celtic will send them well on their way to the league title. A defeat brings both teams level. And a draw means things will remain interesting.