Keith Jackson predicts Rangers showdown v Celtic at Hampden Park for Daily Record
Keith Jackson has provided his prediction for Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final clash [30 April] between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park.
The Glasgow rivals face off at Hampden on Sunday [30 April] with Celtic chasing the chance of a treble while Rangers look for their first silverware and win over the Hoops under Michael Beale’s management.
And Jackson providing his prediction for the game for the Daily Record [29 April, page 61] believes too many of Rangers’ key assets flatter to deceive on the biggest occasions and that Celtic will run out 2-0 winners on Sunday.
He wrote: “They might say there’s not much between them but the truth is anything other than a Celtic win would be a major surprise.
“Ange Postecoglu is tried and tested in this fixture with players who have made a habit of delivering on derby day.
“Rangers have too many key men who flatter to deceive when the heat is really on.”
Usual suspects
We all know who Jackson is referring to here when he says too many of Rangers’ key players flatter to deceive and that comment has got to be centred around the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.
The Colombian hitman who has been criticised previously for his petulance and attitude in the past could well be axed for Sunday’s encounter, especially after his dreadful reaction after being subbed in the ViaPlay Cup final too.
However, if Rangers are to finally triumph over Celtic on Sunday, Beale will desperately be demanding 100% from his key stars and with Kent potentially a doubt for the game, Beale may be forced to start the Colombian given he lacks quality alternatives in his weaponry.
Though if Kent starts, the pressure is on him to deliver seeing as he’s regularly failed to set Ibrox alight when the club have desperately needed it this season.
There’s a case to argue that his performances for Rangers in recent weeks is because his head is already focused on his next move which makes you think whether Beale will be wanting to start Kent again in the upcoming games.
It’s gotten to the stage of the season where the Rangers boss will have to start planning for next season, which means players who won’t be at Ibrox for the long haul arguably shouldn’t be the focus of his plans for the remainder of this campaign.
Should Kent leave as expected this summer, the Gers fans will be hoping he puts in a performance for the ages against Celtic. He’s got to depart on a high note, surely?
In other Rangers news, the club are clearly playing a sick joke with their supporters after they made an announcement about a senior player this week.