Charlie Nicholas predicts Rangers v Celtic after deadline day developments
Charlie Nicholas has predicted a score-draw in the Rangers and Celtic six-pointer on Wednesday after a crazy deadline day in Glasgow on Monday.
Rangers will take a trip to Celtic Park with four additions to their squad this month, following the arrivals of James Sands, Amad Diallo, Mateusz Zukowski and Aaron Ramsey to the squad.
The Bears currently sit two points clear at the top of the table, which means a win for Rangers will see them extend their lead at the top while a Celtic win would see them go top.
But they will be without key striker Alfredo Morelos thanks to international duty, while loanee Diallo limped out of his debut against Ross County at the weekend.
Nicholas believes that a loss for van Bronckhorst is coming as Rangers manager, but told Daily Record he expects a score-draw in the Old Firm derby this time around.
“Van Bronckhorst is struggling up front and might have to go with the pace of Fashion Sakala,” he said. “I can’t see him changing his style of play but he might try to bring a bit more physicality into his side.
“I don’t think Ryan Jack is quite there yet and there is no doubt the Gers miss Steven Davis’ calmness and ability to control the tempo.
“As for Celtic, a lack of experience could be problematic. I see goals as both teams have defensive vulnerabilities.
“Van Bronckhorst’s first loss as Gers boss will come, but not yet. I’ve a feeling it’ll be a score draw.”
Biggest game of the season
The game on Wednesday is without a doubt the biggest game of the season and the momentum generated from it could see the title end up with the winners.
Rangers have just one win since returning from the winter break in the Scottish Premiership, dropping points against both Aberdeen and Ross County, while Celtic have won every game.
With the trajectory both clubs are on, a win for Celtic could send Rangers’ season into a downward spiral which could see them really fall away.
We haven’t seen how Van Bronckhorst and the players react to a defeat yet under this regime, so the reaction will be essential but they would prefer not to find out any time soon.
A score-draw would likely be a good result for them with all things considered right now, so don’t rule out a more conservative approach from GVB and Rangers.
In other Rangers news, Ally McCoist ‘couldn’t believe’ major Rangers deadline day development