Pundit exclusive: Rangers handed advantage in Old Firm ‘clash of the titans’
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has said that Rangers will have an advantage because of the Old Firm game being played behind closed doors on Saturday.
Recent Old Firm clashes have seen precious few away fans let in and that generally sees the home side hold all the trump cards.
However, McLeish thinks that’s all change at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Talking exclusively to Ibrox News McLeish said, “I think the game being played behind closed doors will give Rangers a wee advantage.
“Nowadays there’s very little of the opposition getting into these games.
“I believe that the Rangers players will be a little bit freer without the pressure of the Celtic fans up against them.
“But that’s why you train as professional football players, you train to go up against these big hostile crowds and you train to get that kind of stick from the opposition fans.
“You have to accept that and grow, shall I say, a pair in that kind of atmosphere.
“Saying that, the closed door thing is very strange, and it’s definitely harder for the home team, especially when it’s a clash of the titans.”
Celtic could be forced to put out a weakened team on Saturday with star striker Odsonne Edouard only just back at the club today after self-isolating following a positive Covid-19 result.
By contrast, Steven Gerrard said that Alfredo Morelos was “looking fine” after arriving back from international duty on Thursday.
He should start the game as he looks for his first goal against Celtic.
In other news, Gerrard to axe attacker in key change – Predicted Rangers starting XI v Celtic