Richard Foster shares who the better side is out of Celtic and Rangers ahead of Viaplay Cup Final
Richard Foster believes Celtic are a “better side” than Rangers ahead of the Viaplay Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday afternoon.
Michael Beale heads to the national stadium looking to land the first trophy of his managerial career and halt Ange Postecoglou’s winning machine.
Despite the Light Blues’ impressive form since Beale’s arrival at the club, the BBC Sportscene pundit believes The Hoops are favourites.
“It’s looking increasingly more likely that the only teams which will beat each other are the Old Firm,” said Foster (PLZ Football Show, 4m 06s).
“Rangers have been exceptional since Beale came in but are they yet at the level of Celtic? I am sure the game on Sunday will go a long way in proving they are or disproving it.
“I think in the last Old Firm game Celtic weren’t at their best and still salvaged a 2-2 draw. I still think Celtic are favourites for the game because I personally believe they are a better side at the moment.”
Defining
Although the cup final is not important in terms of the Scottish Premiership, a win for Rangers could well be season-defining. Celtic will be aware that their Old Firm rivals are more than capable of beating them ahead of the league fixtures which remain between now and the end of the season.
Foster is probably right in his assessment of the fixture. Postecoglou’s side have been together longer and are further down the line than Beale’s men. However, the progression which has been made over the past couple of months has been mighty impressive.
Rangers look transformed from Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s rein and are in a much better position to compete regularly with their fierce rivals. Malik Tillman is a major injury doubt for the final and the Light Blues’ boss will be hoping the American makes some sort of recovery before the weekend’s clash at Hampden.
He’s been one the standout performers in recent weeks and would cause The Hoops’ defence no end of problems if he did feature.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Miller has questioned if the club need to make a marquee signing this summer.