Chris Jack predicts momentum shift in Rangers Viaplay Cup final clash v Celtic
The Herald journalist Chris Jack believes Rangers have shown that they can match the relentless momentum of Celtic since the arrival of Michael Beale at Ibrox.
Rangers face Celtic for the first chance of silverware in the Scottish season with both teams entering the ViaPlay Cup final clash in scintillating form.
Jack confessed that the encouraging improvements Rangers have shown under Beale give them an edge in the Viaplay Cup final and predicts the Light Blues to win 2-1 on the day.
“If this game had been played before the World Cup break, there would only have been one winner. Today, it is a very different proposition and much more difficult to call,” said Jack as quoted by the Glasgow Times. (25 February)
“Michael Beale has been unable to reduce the arrears in the Premiership title race and the matches are now running out for Rangers in that regard as Celtic show the mark of champions and keep churning out the results week after week.
“Rangers have shown that they can do that as well since Beale returned to Ibrox and there is now real momentum behind a side who have not had their troubles to seek this term. Concerns over the injury situation that continues to plague Rangers will perhaps dampen the mood of some fans but the performance in the derby at Ibrox should give them belief.
“Rangers should have won that day as they were undone by defensive lapses and a failure to take their chances but the improvements since have been gradual and encouraging. The fixes in many ways are marginal and those gains could be enough to see Rangers over the line this time out.
“Rangers 2 Celtic 1.”
Gap closing.
The Viaplay Cup final clash on Sunday afternoon will be a clear indication of just how close Rangers are to closing the gap to Celtic.
Rangers’ last outing against Celtic all but proved that the Light Blues aren’t far off their bitter rivals and Beale’s emergence has helped massively.
Nevertheless, the Englishman’s side will have to be at their very best to overcome Ange Postecoglou’s relentless Celtic outfit, one which is used to winning.
There isn’t much separating the two Glasgow sides right now and the tie and fate of the cup could well come down to who can hold their nerve from 12 yards.
It will almost certainly be a blockbuster occasion and one that could go down in the history books as a real cup final classic between the pair.
The feisty build-up to the clash has only added to the usual excitement surrounding an Old Firm game, this one could seriously go either way.
In other Rangers news, the Ibrox bank is set for a cash boost after a document emerged on Wednesday.