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Derby day preview

Discussion in 'TalkCeltic Pub' started by TC News, Mar 19, 2018.

By TC News on Mar 19, 2018 at 12:01 PM
  1. TC News Administrator Administrator

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    We are just days away from the biggest game against Rangers since their promotion to the SPFL just two seasons ago.

    With Rodgers' side currently 6 points ahead with a game in hand, it's the closest the title race has been for some time.
    Both sides enter the game in winning domestic form - Celtic with a 3-0 Scottish Cup win against Greenock Morton, while Rangers were 4-1 victors against Falkirk.

    Dembele is coming into the game off the back of a brace against Greenock Morton, while Rangers' Cummings scored a hattrick against Falkirk. Both will be relishing the prospect of adding to this season's goal tally against Rangers on Sunday.

    It was a cagey affair the last time the sides met at the end of December, with the game ending 0-0. There were really only two clear-cut chances of note - Celtic's Sinclair hitting wide from close range for celtic while Rangers' Morelos had a header saved from point blank range by Craig Gordon.

    Celtic manager Rodgers felt a draw was a fair result. Speaking with the BBC, he said "First half we had created the better chances in the game, and some of the opportunities - how we didn't score them.

    "It made it a wee bit difficult for us in the second half. If we score that first goal then of course it can really change the mentality in the game so we didn't quite get that.

    "And then second half we had to defend a little bit more than what he had in the first half. They didn't create virtually anything in the first half but second half they had a couple of chance - one half-chance and one real, real good chance that Craig Gordon makes a great save from.

    "So probably a point apiece is what both teams deserve.

    Although disappointed with the performance in the last game against Rangers, he feels Celtic are ready for the big games heading into the final part of the season. He said "We're arriving into the league at that stage, with 10 games to go, so we're really excited about that,"

    "This team have coped with that pressure really well, so we'll look forward to every game now and hopefully we'll have that greater physicality in the games from maybe playing less in midweek, and hopefully now we can focus on having a great end to a brilliant season." He added.

    Celtic will be without their starting right-back Lustig, due to being suspended after getting sent off in a 2-0 win against Aberdeen. Celtic manager Rodgers was hoping to have the postponed game agsinst Dundee to be rearranged for this week, which would have allowed Lustig to serve his ban and subsequently play on Sunday.

    It is sure to be an enthralling encounter, don't miss out on any of the action. The game wil be live on Sky Sports at 12pm.

    If you fancy a bet on the game, you'll be able to find all the best odds for the game at Betstar.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 21, 2018