There is not long left before Celtic take on the Rangers in the final of the Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park at the weekend. The Hoops might be leading the Premiership table by nine points, but both teams have been in good form after the World Cup break. All that will go out of the window though, when they face each other, as is often the case in a Glasgow Derby.
Celtic have been the better team in Glasgow derbies over the past year or so. But they cannot make the mistake of taking the Rangers lightly, as the Ibrox club have certainly improved following the arrival of Michael Beale as manager.
The last time the two teams met, at Ibrox, it ended 2-2. On the other hand, the last time they met at Hampden Park, the Rangers were victorious. Their only win over Celtic over the past year. Thus, Ange Postecoglou’s side will have a point to prove.
Of course, the Scottish League Cup is up for grabs as well, a competition that Celtic won last season. And in many ways, that was the point when people started to understand that Postecoglou was building something special at Parkhead. Heading into this campaign’s final, the Rangers have been handed a boost though.
Rangers handed boost before Scottish League Cup final vs Celtic
A lot has been made of the Rangers’ injury situation heading into the final. But it looks like a number of players could return for the game. That would not come as a surprise to a lot of people.
As reported by the Daily Record, Malik Tillman has been cleared to return to training to prove his fitness. That comes after midfield lynchpin John Lundstram joined his team mates at the club’s Auchenhowie HQ. And Kemar Roofe hopes to be available for selection.
Thus, it looks like Beale has been handed a triple fitness boost before the big final. Of course, Celtic must focus only on themselves and prepare for the best version of the Rangers.