It is safe to say that Celtic look almost certain to win a double this season. The Scottish League Cup is already in the bag, having defeated the Rangers in the final. And the Premiership triumph also seems like only a matter of time from here. They sit 13 points ahead of Michael Beale’s side with just five more games left to be played in the league.
A treble is still possible as well. But for that to happen, they will have to get past the Rangers. The two Glasgow giants will face in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park this weekend.
Of course, a lot is riding on the result of this game for both teams. But perhaps even more so for the Rangers, who are starting at a trophyless campaign if they fail to win this game. They have not won a Glasgow Derby till now this season.
Ahead of the match against Celtic, Beale has admitted that his side are going to finish second in the league. He said while speaking on Rangers’ official YouTube channel:
"“You know, this season we are going to finish in second in the league.”"
Rangers boss makes unexpected claim before facing Celtic in the Scottish Cup semis
It is pretty much certain that the Rangers will be finishing in second in the league. But even then, their fans might not like to hear that coming from their manager, especially before taking on the Hoops in such an important game.
Of course, all of that will go out of the window this weekend. This will be a game on its own and form will matter very little.
Celtic must prepare to face the Rangers at their very best. The last Glasgow Derby was a bit too close for comfort at times. And the Hoops were nowhere their best on that day. Hopefully, they will be bringing their A-game to Hampden Park.