‘I fear the worst ahead of Rangers vs Celtic rematch, something inevitable will happen’
Hugh Keevins fears Rangers‘ clash with Celtic could boil over on Sunday given the quick turnaround from last week’s encounter.
The Old Firm rivals are set to go head-to-head for the second time in a week at Ibrox on Sunday.
Second-half goals from Celtic secured a 2-2 draw last time out, after a sensational double from Youssef Chermiti saw Danny Rohl’s side race into a two-goal lead before half-time.
On Sunday, the pair are battling it out for a spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, while a loss for either side could seriously damage title hopes when it comes to the momentum either lost or gained.
Daily Record sportswriter Keevins believes it will be more of the same at Ibrox, as Rangers host Celtic once again.
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Another lively derby predicted at Ibrox
Following the culmination of last week’s clash, chaos erupted on the pitch, while Rangers fumed after squandering a two-goal lead.
In his piece ahead of Sunday’s cup tie, Keevins said a player being sent off seems almost inevitable this weekend.
“I always fear the worst when we have Old Firm games on successive weekends,” he wrote. “The second tends to pick up from where the first left off, which was an on-field rammy involving most of the players.
“I’d be amazed if Sunday’s cup-tie finished with 22 men left on the park because tension lingers rather than dissipates between these two clubs in spite of a week’s respite.”
Rohl sack questions have already been raised at Rangers after last week’s collapse, and Keevins added: “All of this will be nothing compared to the abuse Rohl will receive if Rangers fall short today.”
Rangers are looking to gain the momentum ahead of the split, and a cup win against their nemesis would do exactly that.
On-pitch chaos could be matched in the stands
Sunday’s Old Firm is somewhat of a throwback, with 7,500 Celtic fans set to be housed inside Ibrox after years of reduced allocations.
The atmosphere will be incredible, and this could be matched by the chaos on the pitch, with both sides knowing that they are in the same race for multiple competitions.
Rangers know that Sunday’s tie is humongous. A win could see them gain the momentum heading into the season’s crunch point.
But the same could be said for Celtic.
For both Rohl and Martin O’Neill, they have a massive chance to put the final nail in the coffin of what has been a frustrating campaign for both Glasgow giants.
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