Michael Stewart makes ‘Huge’ Rangers v Celtic prediction live on BBC Sportsound
Michael Stewart has predicted that Rangers have a “huge” task on their hands to defeat Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final on 25 May.
Rangers drew 3-3 with Hearts at Tynecastle in their final Premiership match of the season, and head into the Scottish Cup Final having finished eight points behind their Old Firm rivals.
Philippe Clement’s side are yet to beat Celtic in any of their four meetings this season, and speaking on BBC Sportsound (18 May, 14:45), Stewart said: “It is a huge game.
“For Rangers, if they’re able to win the game, then it gives them a nice end to the season.
“But for Philippe Clement, he’s got to try to make sure they can get their hands on a trophy next week, but it’s going to be difficult because Celtic are in top form right now.”
Rangers ready to weather Celtic storm in Scottish Cup Final
Rangers and Celtic will face off in the Scottish Cup Final for the first time since 2002, creating an increasingly intriguing prospect as Scotland’s top two sides play out the decider of its oldest competition.
The Gers’ prospects for next week’s final look bleak based on their results against Celtic during this campaign, with a dramatic 3-3 draw at Ibrox the only point they’ve earned from four attempts.
The other three saw Celtic come away victorious by 1-0 and 2-1 (twice) scorelines, and given Clement’s side have ended the season in far worse form than their Glasgow rivals, the Hoops will be heavy favourites at Hampden Park.
However, the much-maligned Cyriel Dessers fired Rangers into the decider with a convincing 2-0 victory over Hearts in the semi-final, whereas Celtic were taken to the brink, edging Aberdeen on penalties.
That may be a small crumb of comfort given the two teams’ contrasting results since, but Clement and his Rangers side must have the confidence to step up to the occasion and finally show they’ve got the ability to topple Celtic next weekend.
In other Rangers news, a star player may now never be seen at Ibrox again after a recent ground-breaking update emerged.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.