Chris Sutton moots ‘Huge’ boost now on cards at Rangers
Chris Sutton has tipped Rangers to claim victory in the Viaplay Cup final against Aberdeen, with a “huge” boost on the cards at Hampden Park.
The Gers took a famous victory away from Spain during the week as Philippe Clement’s side beat Real Betis to qualify for the Europa League knockout stages, being pegged back on two occasions before Kemar Roofe fired home the winner.
Rangers would then go into the Old Firm on Saturday 30 December full of confidence off the back of some good results and Sutton believes that boost could be a threat to Celtic.
“If Philippe Clement and his team, as I expect, beat Aberdeen and get their hands on the League Cup tomorrow at Hampden, it’s going to give them another enormous boost after their win over Real Betis,” he wrote for the Daily Record on Saturday (16 December).
“Rangers will get a huge lift from that and it would put even more vigour into their bid to overhaul their old rivals.”
Make or break
Following another poor showing in the Champions League, Celtic have once again been knocked out of the competition during the group stages and will be wounded heading into the Old Firm derby.
Rangers, on the other hand, are in fine form under Clement and could claim their second victory over their rivals in 10 meetings. It could determine the league already, despite only being in December.
Although Celtic are only five points clear, and the Gers have closed the gap in recent weeks, The Bhoys no longer have to worry about European competition, which will be a huge boost to their league campaign.
Rangers are already amidst an injury crisis, and with the additional fixtures throughout the season, it could be a very long and drawn-out campaign for the players at Ibrox.
A victory over Celtic, however, would give the team a much-needed lift to show just how close to a season full of silverware they are – Europa League and Scottish Premiership.
All eyes will be set on the final first, of course. Clement will gradually work his way through St. Johnstone, Motherwell and Ross County before preparing for their main rivals.
In other Rangers news, Danilo has posted an update on Instagram after what happened this week.