Tennents Scottish Cup Quarter Final
Sunday 7th March 2003
Celtic Park
Kick Off 12.00, Live on Sky Sports
On paper, there looks to be no contest. Rangers are in abysmal form; 16 points behind in the league, out of Europe and out of the CIS Cup. Sunday is their only hope of glory this season. Celtic, however, runaway leaders in the league, whilst in the last sixteen of the UEFA Cup, and also hoping to progress in the Scottish Cup.
But this is the Old Firm, and anyone who thinks Celtic can just turn up and win on Sunday couldn't be more wrong. Too many times have we seen the 'underdogs' or the 'no-hopers' turn over the opposition in a Celtic and Rangers game, and the fact that Sunday is a cup tie adds to its unpredictability.
Celtic have not been beaten at Celtic Park in 72 games, Ajax being the last side to overcome us at home. Rangers haven't won at Paradise since 1999, but have managed a few draws.
Since the draw for this game was made, all the talk has been of the game. This was until yesterday, where Celtic were drawn against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup Fourth Round. Somehow, Sunday's game doesn't have the same appeal as it had, and that Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is obviously of the same opinion, he has claimed Chris Sutton will not play against Rangers as it will be too much a risk for Europe.
Jackie McNamara has been declared fit for selection, but O'Neill's biggest headache comes in who will partner Henrik Larsson up-front. With Shaun Maloney and John Hartson already injured, the loss of Chris Sutton is the last thing we needed.
We could opt to go with the inexperienced Craig Beattie. Beattie has impressed in the Under 21's for the last few years, and has also scored for the first team in the league cup this season. He appears to be very keen and enthusiastic, many say it would be okay to unleash him on Sunday but his lack of first team action could work against him against Rangers.
The other alternative would be to have Larsson as a lone striker, pack the midfield and have Stan Petrov, Alan Thompson, Stephen Pearson and Didier Agathe following up the Swede up-front. Neil Lennon makes a welcome return from European suspension.
Sunday's game is our biggest of the season, as the huns will throw everything
|
It goes without saying that we have no one to fear at Celtic Park. We have already beaten Lyon and Anderlecht, and drawn with Bayern Munich this season. We have Barcelona to come midweek, so the name Rangers hardly strikes fear into us. We're looking for a good performance from all, seeing us progressing in the Scottish Cup.
Celtic-Mad Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Rangers