Ibrox View: Rangers surely drooling after pundit claim on ‘huge’ Celtic loss
RANGERS OPINION
Rangers are under no illusions as to how big their clash with Celtic on Sunday could be for their title prospects.
If the Gers can land a knockout blow and take all three points at Parkhead then they will be within two points of the league leaders with a game in hand going into the winter break.
If they lose, however, then that gap is eight points, and even with a game in hand, it looks like a big, big task to make up the difference.
But the Bears will be hoping that their job is made a whole lot easier on Sunday by the news that Mohamed Elyounoussi will miss the game for Celtic.
Neil Lennon made the announcement on Boxing Day, as per the BBC, and it’s fair to say that former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan thinks it’s good news for Steven Gerrard’s men.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “It’s a huge loss because in those games you need creativity, you need special players to create chances and do something brilliant on the day.
“Yes, it’s about heart, grit and determination and that passion that comes with an Old Firm derby but you need that quality to see teams over the line.
“It’s a massive game, it’s a huge game because of the way the standings are in the Scottish division. Rangers have turned themselves around, become a force again under Steven Gerrard, Neil Lennon just starting where he finished at Celtic.
“This could be the defining game in the Premiership.”
The 25-year-old has already missed a significant portion of the season with a foot injury, so in that respect Lennon’s update is far from a shock, but prior to his spell on the sidelines, he was just starting to find his form.
The Norwegian hit four in four games before his injury, as per Transfermarkt, and having your opposition miss a player who poses that kind of threat will always be a threat.
Of course, nothing is for certain going into this one, but this could be exactly the kind of boost the Gers need.
In other news, ‘Best in the business’ – These Rangers fans love what ‘master’ ace did v Killie.