Where Celtic vs Rangers could be won or lost, the three key battles to look out for
Celtic and Rangers will meet again in the Scottish League Cup semi-final with fine margins set to decide the tie at Hampden Park.
After Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation from Celtic, Martin O’Neill will lead the time out at Scotland’s national stadium following a 4-0 win over Falkirk in midweek in the Scottish Premiership.
Rangers are now led by Danny Rohl, who has two wins from three matches so far in charge of the Gers following Russell Martin’s disastrous tenure.
The sides have met once already in the Scottish Premiership when Rangers and Celtic drew 0-0 at Ibrox.
Below are the three key battles that could decide the semi-final to face either Motherwell or St Mirren in the final.
James Tavernier vs Sebastian Tounekti
O’Neill has been told to build the Celtic team around Sebastian Tounekti following his impressive start to life at the club in difficult circumstances.
Tounekti has the pace and the skills to beat any full-back and is one player in Hoops in-form heading into this clash.
| Minutes Played | 422 |
| Chances Created | 15 |
| Successful Dribbles | 11 |
| Cross Accuracy % | 37.5% |
Max Aarons started over James Tavernier in Rangers’ 1-0 win at Hibs as Rohl switched to a back five to help give the Gers greater defensive solidity.
If Tavernier comes back into the starting XI, then the Rangers captain is not known for his defensive capabilities and will leave space for Tounekti to exploit.
Celtic could use that to their advantage as Tavernier enjoys getting forward and supporting the attack.
Nico Raskin vs Callum McGregor
The midfield is always a key area of the pitch in any huge match, and many Glasgow derbies have been decided by what happens in the middle of the park.
Nico Raskin and Callum McGregor are their sides most important players in midfield, and stopping the supply line to both will be key.
| Minutes Played | 640 |
| Chances Created | 15 |
| Shots | 11 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87.1% |
Hearts shut off the supply to McGregor effectively in their 3-1 win over Celtic, and the Hoops captain needs his team mates to step up on this occassion.
Raskin is a creative force for Rangers, and the Belgian will be even more important with Connor Barron suspended.
Danilo Pereira vs Liam Scales
Danilo Pereira is Rangers in-form player as he comes into the clash having scored two goals in two games under Rohl, meaning Liam Scales will have to perform at his best for Celtic.
After replacing Dane Murray with Auston Trusty at centre-back for the match against Falkirk, O’Neill will likely stick with the experience of the American alongside Scales.
Scales has been a constant presence in the defence, and will be even more important following Cameron Carter-Vickers’ injury blow.