Neil McCann names favourites in ‘powder keg’ Celtic vs Rangers derby amid ‘exceptional’ verdict
Neil McCann thinks Celtic will enter Saturday’s (30 December) blockbuster Old Firm derby as favourites despite Rangers’ ‘exceptional’ run of firm under Philippe Clement.
The Gers have the added benefit of a little extra rest after their fixture with Ross County on Wednesday (27 December) was postponed, with Celtic having played on Boxing Day the day prior.
However, it does mean Brendan Rodgers’ side have a five-point buffer over second-place Rangers, who do own two games in hand.
It promises to be a frantic derby clash at Celtic Park, where no supporters will be in attendance, and McCann gave his verdict when speaking on BBC Sport Sound (27 December).
“I believed up until their game being cancelled, I think Rangers had real, brilliant momentum going into that game. I think they’re looking at it and thinking they’ve clawed back that huge gap that existed,” he said.
“Celtic winning, Rangers not playing, has allowed Celtic just to get a little cushion. That might just free them up a wee bit going into a Celtic Park all season ticket, all Celtic fan game and that should make Celtic favourites.
“But this is the acid test, this is okay going and doing great runs with Rangers, Philippe Clement has been a breath of fresh air into Rangers and it’s been exceptional. This is where it really matters and this will be a powder keg fixture for them.”
Bring it on
It has been a very, very long time since we had a genuine title race in Scotland and this season is shaping up to give us a fierce battle, and that can only be a good thing for the neutral.
It might not be quite as good if you are a Rangers diehard mind but frankly there should be absolutely nothing to fear about this fixture right now given the sensational run of form they have been on since Clement took over.
Earlier this season, Rangers fell to a drab 1-0 defeat to their fiercest rivals under Michael Beale, a performance and a result that no doubt contributed to his downfall at Ibrox.
There is still an awful lot of work to do but the fact Rangers can enter this game still with genuine hopes of being champions this season is a testament to the work Clement has done. I say bring it on.
In other Rangers news, Fabio Silva has been wowed by the project at Ibrox after a trip to Glasgow.