Borna Barisic faces ‘terrifying’ Rangers news when Celtic team sheet comes in – Alan Rough
Alan Rough has suggested Reo Hatate, Jota and Liel Abada all being fit for Celtic would see Rangers panic ahead of their Scottish Cup semi-final.
Ange Postecoglou is currently sweating on the fitness of the trio ahead of the Bhoys’ trip to Hampden Park on Sunday (Glasgow Evening Times, 25 April).
Rough has since suggested that Abada’s inclusion would be a “terrifying” prospect for the Ibrox faithful.
“I think Hatate makes other players better on the day, we all know what Jota can do, and Abada has been terrifying Barisic at the back,” (PLZ Football show, 42m 59s, 25 April).
“If the three of them aren’t playing and the team sheet comes in, Rangers will think they’ve got a chance with these three missing. If they’re playing, they will be panicking. They’re the players who can cause damage.”
Huge
If the trio are missing for Celtic, Rangers certainly have a chance of picking up a positive result. Rough is right when it comes to Hatate. The midfielder makes the Hoops a far better side and if he’s missing, there’s a chance for Nicolas Raskin and John Lundstram to be the dominant force in the centre of the pitch.
During the semi-final loss, Postecoglou’s side dominated the centre of the park and gave Rangers little chance. It was a springboard for Celtic’s attacks and it’s something Michael Beale must stifle going forward.
We all know the significance of this fixture. It really is make or break for the Gers’ season. Celtic know a win will put them within touching distance of a treble which is an unthinkable scenario at Ibrox.
With Ryan Kent and Connor Goldson set to return to the starting XI, it’s a win or bust for Rangers. Defeat will leave the fan base disillusioned and the pressure will really mount on Beale for the first time.
In other Rangers news, the club may now approach a sporting director who built a Champions League-winning team and can hire him for free.