Celtic won 4-0 against Aberdeen at the weekend. On the other hand, the Rangers got themselves a 3-0 win over Livingston. Thus, both teams will be entering the Scottish League Cup final on the back of some great form. The only match that they have not won since the World Cup break is against each other, with things ending 2-2 at Ibrox in early January.
Thus, the upcoming Scottish League Cup final is expected to be a close contest, with very little room for error for either side. Celtic might have been the dominant team in the Glasgow Derby over the past year, but this has looked like a much improved Rangers since the arrival of Michael Beale.
At the same time though, Celtic are still 9 points ahead of them in the Premiership with 12 league games to go. And the Hoops are also the defending champions. Thus, most people would consider Postecoglou’s team as the best in Scotland, despite of the form that the Rangers have showcased over the past two months.
Nicolas Raskin, who has only been in Glasgow a few weeks, has made a brave claim ahead of the Scottish League Cup final though. As reported by The Scottish Sun, he told Rangers TV:
"“Everybody is talking about the cup final.“I am really excited about this and I can’t wait to be there and to feel the atmosphere of our fans – and to show on the pitch that we are better.”"
Rangers player makes brave Celtic claim before Scottish League Cup final
One would hope that Raskin’s comments give extra motivation to the Celtic players. Not that they will lack any.
The Hoops are the defending Scottish League Cup champions. It was Postecoglou’s first piece of silverware in Scottish football. And he will surely be looking to add another one to his collection next weekend.
Celtic lost the last time around that they faced the Rangers at Hampden Park though, in the Scottish Cup semi-final in the previous campaign. Thus, they must want to put things right as well.