‘My honest opinion…’ – Ex-Rangers and Celtic man predicts winner of Old Firm
Former Rangers and Celtic defender Steven Pressley is backing the Gers to beat the Hoops when the sides meet at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Pressley is one of few players to have played for both Rangers and Celtic, as the former defender joined the Bhoys on a free transfer 12 years after he left Ibrox.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Carlisle manager spoke of how big the game is for each club and claims that Celtic’s list of absentees could prove to be the difference on Saturday.
He said, “It is a massive massive game for both clubs. In terms of the form guide, there is very little between them, performance-wise there is no doubt that Rangers have looked the better team but result wise, it would indicate that Celtic are also playing well although many people would debate that.
“My honest opinion on this particular game is that I think Celtic are missing a number of key players and Rangers might win this game at the weekend.”
Hoops players Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed are all likely to miss the Old Firm game due to either having COVID-19 or being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the disease.
Rangers have injury worries of their own with Borna Barisic missing two of Croatia’s games in the last week despite being called up to the squad. But Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has said that the Gers fullback ‘is fine’ and claimed he will play Croatia’s next game against France on Wednesday night.
The Daily Record have also reported that goalkeeper Allan McGregor is a doubt for the game. But the Gers will be in very capable hands if Jon McLaughlin does start his first Old Firm game.
Celtic have had a very unfortunate international break with multiple players returning to the club unable to play and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. This weekend’s Old Firm could give either side the advantage in this season’s title race and it looks as if both managers will be without players, though it seems that the Hoops are much worse off, which Rangers fans will be very happy with.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has made a bold line-up prediction ahead of the Old Firm.