Celtic could ‘run riot’ as Rangers have ‘so many problems’ – McAvennie
Celtic could “run riot” against Rangers with Filip Helander set to miss this weekend’s Old Firm.
That’s according to former Hoops hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider ahead of Sunday’s (17 April) Scottish Cup semi-final clash.
On 13 April, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed Helander, 28, won’t play again the season.
The defender has struggled for fitness this season, only making six appearances in the Premiership.
After returning from a knee injury that kept him out for the majority of the season, Helander again broke down against St Mirren on 10 April.
McAvennie claims his absence will play a significant role in this Sunday’s Old Firm.
“Losing Helander is a big blow for them because that defence has not looked as strong this season,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He’s been missed in the league and I just wonder whether Rangers might try and play three at the back now.
“Maybe they could shift it about and play one of the wide players as a central defender.
“If they do that, the gaps it will leave for people like Maeda will cause so many problems, he could run riot.
“Those half-spaces in behind is where Celtic are so deadly and without Helander there, Rangers are nowhere near as strong.”
Rangers managed to progress to the Europa League semi-finals without Helander as they beat Braga 3-1 on Thursday (15 April).
Calvin Bassey played as a makeshift centre-back and held strong alongside Connor Goldson.
In other news, Rangers tipped to sign “household name” after journalist’s transfer update.