Keith Jackson predicts ViaPlay Cup final between Rangers and Celtic for Daily Record
Keith Jackson is predicting a “surprise” result when Rangers take on Celtic in the upcoming ViaPlay Cup on Sunday 26 February at Hampden Park.
The Light Blues have the chance to continue their impressive unbeaten start and more crucially, win their first silverware under Michael Beale’s management, but face off against their rivals who are in better fettle across the season.
However, writing in the print edition of the Daily Record [25 February, pg 65] Jackson insisted that Sunday’s contest will be “impossible to call” but predicts Beale’s men to cause serious damage and come out on top.
He said: “This one feels almost impossible to call. Rampant Celtic ought to be slight favourites – if the champs hit top form they can blow their rivals away.
“But Rangers are rejuvenated under Beale and they have players who can do serious damage. There may be a surprise on the cards.
“Rangers 3 Celtic 2.”
Crucial
There is certainly a lot riding on this game for Rangers more than it is for their rivals, and there is a case to argue that this is Beale’s most crucial game of his career.
This is a huge chance for the Gers to cement their position as serious challengers to Celtic under the former QPR boss, but also use this triumph as a catalyst to go and beat their rivals to more titles next season, including the Scottish Premiership.
The Light Blues have been in terrific form since Beale’s appointment, winning 13 of their 14 games but over the last couple years, they have tended to struggle against their fierce rivals and this is Beale’s chance to put a marker down and get the Gers back on track.
Jackson is absolutely right, this game is too close to call but the Gers simply can’t leave that pitch with any regrets. Not only is it a crucial game for Beale, but for the players too. Many of their immediate futures under his leadership could be riding on this one.
In other Rangers news, Alan Rough has predicted the score for the game against Celtic.