Barry Ferguson wowed by ‘terrifying’ Rangers forward Fashion Sakala, predicts scoreline v Celtic
Barry Ferguson has raved about Rangers forward Fashion Sakala ahead of ViaPaly Cup final on Sunday (26 February) at Hampden Park against Celtic.
The Gers legend has hailed him for his “terrifying” pace while writing his column for the Daily Record (page 59, 24 February), and added that the 25-year-old is now a “different player” under Michael Beale.
The Bears are enjoying an unbeaten run under their new manager, and Ferguson has predicted a 3-2 win for the Light Blues on Sunday.
“But this is a very different Rangers now. The improvement in Sakala is a case in point,” wrote Ferguson.
“Since the change of manager the team has started playing to his strengths and he looks a different player. He’s not being asked to do the things he struggles with. He’s not having to link up play or drop into holes to build moves.
“He’s coming short to go long. And his pace is absolutely terrifying the defenders he’s coming up against.
“Add that running power into the mix on a huge Hampden pitch and with Celtic’s wandering full-backs and this guy could be a potential matchwinner.
“But with Celtic’s attacking threat at the other end of the pitch I have a feeling this final could be a wide-open affair – a real ding-dong. And I honestly can’t wait for it all to get started. Prediction: Rangers 3-2 Celtic.”
Team selection
It will be interesting to see how Beale sets his team up for this game. While the back-four is likely to remain the same, there could be some changes in midfield and upfront.
Beale is sweating on the fitness of Malik Tillman and he will wait until the morning of Saturday to see if he is fit enough to play. This is a massive game and losing Tillman would be a real blow. The same can be said about John Lundstram as well.
Now, Beale does have options in midfield. January signing Nicolas Raskin could start at Hampden despite his lack of experience playing in Old Firm games.
Likewise, Todd Cantwell, who joined in January from Norwich City, could start in place of Tillman, if he misses out. It’s really exciting that Beale now has got plenty of options with him.
Sakala and Alfredo Morelos are likely to start upfront. Beale has found a way to get out of Sakala, where he is not asked to drop deep and involve in link-up play, rather the manager has unleashed him giving him a free role.
He could prove to be a match-winner for the Gers on Sunday.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Miller has questioned if the club need to make a marquee signing this summer.