Celtic and the Rangers head towards another Glasgow Derby, as they will be taking on each other in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park this weekend. It was just earlier this month that the two met each other at Parkhead, with the Hoops coming out on top once again despite not looking anywhere near their best on the day.
Till now this season, the Rangers have not won a Glasgow Derby. And Celtic fans will be hoping that that run continues.
A lot is riding on this Scottish Cup semi-final for both teams. Celtic are almost certain to win a double and this is their chance to remain in contention for a treble. On the other hand, this is the Rangers’ last chance at any silverware this season and of stopping the Hoops.
Martin O’Neill seemed to raise doubts about the Rangers when it comes to big matches though. As reported by Glasgow Live, in a press conference arranged by Viaplay TV, the former Celtic manager said:
"“Obviously Celtic have the upper hand at the moment. Victories give you that confidence and self-belief.“I think Rangers have some decent players, but at big moments they just seem to falter. The last match it was 1-1, a simple headed clearance, they should have dealt with it and almost tried to keep the ball in play. The next thing Celtic are 2-1 in front.“In big matches Celtic are flying and Rangers don’t seem to be able to nail them at all.”"
O’Neill makes superb Celtic vs Rangers claim
One definitely has to wonder about the Rangers’ ability to deliver in pressure moments. It feels like they have failed to deliver in almost all of them, during the time of Michael Beale as the manager of the club.
They have lost twice to Celtic and drawn once during Beale’s run till now. And last weekend, when the Hoops had dropped points and they had the chance to close the gap a bit, they went on to lose 2-0 against Aberdeen.
Of course, no matter what the case, Celtic have to prepare for the best version of the Rangers at the weekend. The previous Glasgow Derby was a bit too close for comfort and hopefully, this time around, they will take their A-game to Hampden Park. The Hoops did lose the same fixture last season.