Rangers v Celtic: Keith Jackson predicts scoreline in Daily Record
Rangers will be beaten by Celtic at Ibrox in the Old Firm on Thursday afternoon, Keith Jackson has predicted.
Prominent journalist Jackson issued his prediction on page 49 of Thursday’s edition of the Daily Record (2 January), claiming Brendan Rodgers’ men will take a 3-1 win home from Ibrox on Thursday (2 January).
Under-pressure boss Philippe Clement and his side are not only looking to begin the New Year in the best possible fashion but also avenge last month’s Scottish League Cup final, in which Celtic wrestled the trophy back from the Gers’ grasp via a penalty shootout and some officiating controversy.
Jackson claimed: “When Celtic dropped points against Aberdeen earlier this season, they made sure of a statement win over Jimmy Thelin’s team next time out at Hampden.
“This feels similar, coming hot on the heels of a cup final thriller. The champions won’t just want to win at Ibrox… they’ll want to lay down a marker for the New Year.”
Ibrox will be hostile if Rangers lose to Celtic
Just when Rangers appeared to be turning a corner, going two months unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership and pulling off some excellent results in Europe – almost beating Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs to boot – it soured after the League Cup final.
The Light Blues gave a tremendous account of themselves against a Celtic side who were unsurprisingly hot favourites at Hampden, but were left in heartache following the 3-3 draw and subsequent penalties defeat.
Since returning to league action, a narrow Ibrox win over Dundee on 21 December has been followed by an injury-time defeat at St Mirren on Boxing Day, and a draw at Motherwell three days later for which Clement fielded a heavily rotated team and saw his blushes spared by his substitutes.
As a result, the second-placed Light Blues now sit 14 points adrift of their rivals, who remain unbeaten and that in itself is enough motivation for Gers fans who will make the stadium a cauldron on the Scottish bank holiday occasion.
It is vital Rangers are able to set the tone with a positive performance and result; fans have waited long enough for a hint of revenge on their bitter adversaries.
In other Rangers news, Gabby Agbonlahor laments the continued decision on away fans for the Old Firm.
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