Celtic seem to have a big worry heading into the Scottish League Cup final, with Aaron Mooy not being included in the squad in their game against Aberdeen. The Hoops did win by a 4-0 scoreline but it is expected to be much more difficult against the Rangers at Hampden Park. On the other hand, Michael Beale’s side seem to have their problems heading into the big match next weekend as well.
Now, it is clear that they have improved a lot since the arrival of Beale as manager. And thus, Celtic will need to bring their A-game to the Scottish League final, if they are to go home with some silverware on the day.
Beale seems to have worries regarding the fitness status of multiple players though. It appears that there are question marks over the availability of Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and Malik Tillman, when the Rangers take to the Hampden Park pitch against Celtic.
As reported by Football Scotland, Beale said regarding the matter:
"“Malik’s got a problem with his hamstring, Jacko with his calf and obviously John with his ankle.“I’m optimistic to think those, plus maybe Scott Arfield, will return to training at the back end of the week but it will be touch and go.“So what you saw today might be what we have, and I was delighted with what we got today.”"
Rangers handed triple blow before Scottish League Cup final vs Celtic
Of course, Celtic cannot waste a second thinking about what is going on at Ibrox. Their full focus has to be on their own preparation.
It will be very interesting to see what kind of a line up Postecoglou ends up fielding at Hampden Park next weekend because a number of Celtic’s players have been on top form in recent times. That is a good problem for any manager to have.
At the same time, they cannot make the mistake of taking the Rangers lightly. The Hoops might have dominated the Glasgow Derby over the past year or so, but it is quite clear that the Ibrox club have improved lately. The last time these two teams met, it ended in a 2-2 draw, with Postecoglou’s side grabbing a late equaliser.