Chris Sutton drops surprise prediction ahead of Celtic vs Rangers – ‘Wouldn’t shock me one bit’
Celtic and Rangers supporters are likely to be equally as nervous as the Old Firm rivals face off in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
The Hoops are in a tricky period after Brendan Rodgers’ very public departure from Celtic Park, having been slammed by the hierarchy on his way out the exit doors last month.
Their opponents, on the other hand, have experienced a good start to life under new management, especially after Danny Rohl oversaw a 1-0 win over Hibernian last time out, with Danilo scoring the only goal.
Each of the last two meetings between the rivals has ended in a draw, the last being goalless, and the time before that had goals from Cyriel Dessers and Adam Idah cancel each other out.
With everything going on behind the scenes, Chris Sutton has attempted to predict the result.
Celtic vs Rangers could be goalless again, and it wouldn’t be a surprise
Writing for the Daily Record (1 November), Sutton wrote: “Sinking Rangers would be superb for them. Is it going to happen? I think it is too close to call.
“The league meeting at Ibrox earlier this season was dreadful in terms of quality, and it wouldn’t shock me one bit if it ended up 0-0 again and went to penalties.
“If Celtic do win it, it’ll bring some short-term joy for the supporters. But it’s not going to erase the sorry chapter in the history of the club that’s been the last week.“
Recent history would suggest, other than the two draws, that the Light Blues have every chance of getting the better of their rivals, but Rohl must get everything right at Hampden Park.
James Tavernier could make the difference at Hampden Park
Despite being dropped against Hibernian, James Tavernier remains an important member of the Rangers squad, and O’Neill’s side might fear his name on the teamsheet come Sunday, 2 November.
In 42 games against the Hoops, the right-back has only been on the winning side 10 times, but with six goals and seven assists, he has the ability to cause real damage in the semi-final.
He already has five goals and two assists in 21 appearances across all competitions this season, most recently assisting in the 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, and Rohl will be desperate for more of that form.