Richard Foster makes bold Rangers-Celtic title prediction
Richard Foster has suggested that if Rangers win the Europa League knock-out tie against Red Star Belgrade, they can hand Celtic the Scottish Premiership title.
The former Bears player feels that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side will find it hard to balance both domestic and Europe, with only eight games left to play in the league.
The BBC Sportscene pundit has backed his former club to do well in Europe but feels the players could run out of steam.
“I think if they get through this tie that could hand Celtic the title,” Foster said on the PLZ Football Show.
“Two more games against Red Star then potentially more games. We’ve seen them struggle on the Sunday after European fixtures.
“I think it’s just too much to ask, especially when there’s not been a lot of changes to the team.
“If you’re a Celtic fan or Celtic players, I’m backing Rangers to the hilt in Europe, I’m wanting them to progress as far as possible because physically and mentally, it’s so difficult to pick yourself up.”
Rangers play their first leg of their last-16 Europa League clash with Red Star Belgrade tonight (10 March) before the second leg is held in a week’s time in Serbia.
Not really
It could be a factor, and certainly cannot be ruled out. It’s not always easy to balance both, especially when there’s not enough squad rotation.
However, Rangers can cope with it. They have a big squad and Giovanni van Bronckhorst can make changes in the league, depending on the opposition.
For instance, if Aaron Ramsey gets fit in the next week, he can make a big contribution.
Likewise, Kemar Roofe scored from the bench to win it against Aberdeen.
It can take a toll on the players, physically and mentally, when you’re on a winning run, the momentum drives you forward.
It’s hard to say how the title race will shape up in the closing stages, especially with Celtic leading by three points. There are two Old Firm derbies to be played, and Rangers can still win the league from here on.
Van Bronckhorst probably will be pinning hopes on his key players to walk the extra mile and make it a hugely successful season for the club.
In other Rangers news, van Bronckhorst has confirmed that one of his star signings will be on the bench for tomorrow’s Europa League tie against Red Star Belgrade.