Pat Bonner predicts Celtic semi-final clash v Rangers

Wed 11 April 2018 16:02, UK

Celtic legend Pat Bonner has predicted that the Hoops will prevail in Sunday’s Old Firm Scottish Cup semi-final clash.

The former goalkeeper also claims that the style of play adapted by Graeme Murty’s side in the semi-final could play into the Hoops’ hands.

“Celtic will pass, move and use the full pitch. I think Rangers will have to press Celtic high, they can’t sit back or Celtic will pick them off,” he said, as quoted by the Evening Times.

“If Celtic turn up and play well, they will win the game. They have the best squad, the best players, they have done it in the last number of years.”

The teams last met in the league last month, where a ten man Hoops side won 3-2 at Ibrox thanks to Odsonne Edouard’s winning goal.

This is the third season in a row the teams have met at this stage of the Scottish Cup, with Rangers winning the first match and the Hoops the second.

Football Insider verdict

It is hard to disagree with Bonner, that if the Hoops turn up on the day they should win the game, but of course football doesn’t work like that. The Hoops didn’t turn up for much of the match between the teams in December at Celtic Park, and were lucky to getaway with a goalless draw on the day. Anything can happen in the game, a poor decision by the referee or a mistake by a player can turn the game on it’s head. But with the Hoops so close to completing an unprecedented second consecutive domestic treble, they know what is at stake and that if they don’t perform on the day their dreams of winning the cup will be gone.