Super Computer predicts Rangers v Celtic as Michael Beale tastes first Old Firm
Celtic are the favourites ahead of the Old Firm derby clash with Rangers next week in a game that Michael Beale must win to keep the title hopes alive.
The Gers host their fierce rivals at Ibrox in the lunchtime kick-off of the first game of the new year for either side, sitting nine points behind them in the title race before the game.
A win will slash the point to six points and give them huge momentum as they look to win the Scottish Premiership for a second time in three years, but according to FiveThirtyEight they’ll have to pull off an upset to get the result they desire.
After running the data through their super computer, it has been established that Celtic have a 40% chance of winning the game at Ibrox, while Rangers have a 38% chance of taking all three points.
There is also a 23% chance of a draw, in a game that the data seems to suggest is much closer than performances this season would suggest.
Must-win
This is a must-win game for Rangers to not only keep their title aspirations alive going into 2023, but also to show that Beale is the right man to compete with Celtic.
Steven Gerrard managed to dominate this fixture for the most part and it led to us winning the title, while Van Bronckhorst never really managed to get a foot-hold on the rivalry and got battered far too often.
Now Beale has to come back in and restore the balance and then tip it over the edge in our favour again, and winning at Ibrox in only his fifth game in charge would go a long way to proving that.
A title charge is obviously highly unlikely even with a win on Monday afternoon, but it’s about more than just three points.
It’s about proving everyone wrong, including this super computer, and showing that Rangers are back and must be feared once again.
In other Rangers news, Rangers transfer news shows Ross Wilson has clear mission at Ibrox