Andy Walker makes ‘inferiority complex’ claim in Rangers v Celtic Scottish Cup prediction
Andy Walker has questioned if Rangers have an “inferiority complex” ahead of the Scottish Cup final clash against Celtic on Saturday (25 May).
The Gers’ hopes of lifting the Scottish Premiership title were destroyed as they lost 2-1 to the Hoops on Saturday 11 May, with John Lundstram’s red card at the epicentre of the controversy.
However, the Old Firm rivals are set to face each other for the fifth time this season at Hampden Park, battling it out to lift the Scottish Cup.
Speaking via The Go Radio Football Show on Wednesday (15 May), Walker said: “Now it is all down to the big game in a couple of weeks at Hampden. That is the chance for Rangers to get back.
“But I would question whether Rangers have an inferiority complex against Celtic just now. They’ve played four games, lost three and drawn one. They’ve never been in front or had something to hold on to.
“They’ve had a period of 15, 20 maybe 30 minutes that they have looked decent but this is a manager in Philippe Clement who is looking at a Celtic team who I think are improving just at the perfect time of the season.
“I think the players will be champing at the bit just to get on that pitch at Hampden and go again, and win a double.”
Can Rangers finish the season with a victory over Old Firm rivals Celtic?
Philippe Clement will be hoping to build on the few positives shown at Celtic Park recently, even despite Lundstram’s first-half sending-off and eventual defeat.
Matt O’Riley scored the opener before Lundstram doubled Celtic’s lead with an own goal, with his day made even worse with his challenge on Alistair Johnston.
Cyriel Dessers had offered some hope before the red card, heading past Joe Hart in the Hoops net, but the sending-off ruined any chances of being able to secure a comeback win against their rivals.
The defensive performances on the whole were extremely impressive, however, and Clement will hope his side can take inspiration from that as the sides meet at Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup final.
If Clement is to pip Celtic to the Scottish Cup trophy, completing the double alongside his League Cup title, they will need to complete a feat they have yet to do – beat Brendan Rodgers’ team.
In other Rangers news, Si Ferry could not believe the Borna Barisic call Philippe Clement made in the Old Firm derby v Celtic.
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