Bank Of Scotland SPL
Sunday 29th August 2004
Celtic Park
Kick Off 1pm, Live on Setanta Sport
The first Old Firm match of the season is arguably the most unpredictable. Remember 6-2? It was almost to the day, four years ago as Rangers strolled into Paradise with their new big name signings and swagger. After 12 minutes, their arrogance had disappeared.
This time around, it is Rangers who are the underdogs. Going into the game on the back of a Champions League preliminary exit isn't the best preperation for Big Feck and his merry men. McLeish could get the sack if beaten tomorrow, but Rangers, in truth, don't even have the money to fire him.
Rangers' new signings are hardly setting the world alight. Boumsong in defence looks a tidy player, but at times, clumsy. Nacho Novo is showing us why Martin O'Neill didn't sign him, Prso is a striker who can't win a ball in the air, and Vignol and Andrews look as though they would struggle to make Celtic's Under 21 side.
The huns still have the old favourites: Peter Lovenkrands; Stephen Thompson and of course Fernando Ricksen. A comedy trio indeed. However, they have the best goalkeeper in Scotland in Stefan Klos. Klos to Rangers in on par with what Henrik Larsson was at Celtic. Though despite saving them a few times against us, he hasn't done much to stop us recently.
Celtic are still sweating over the availability of Chris Sutton, who has a hamstring injury. Should Sutton not play, I believe we should throw Juninho in. He is a world class player and why not play him against this mob? Craig Beattie is definitley out but good news today was that Jackie McNamara and Stan Varga both returned to training.
Much has been made of the potential battle which will persue between Neil Lennon and Alex Rae. This will probably fizzle out and nothing will happen, but there is certainly the potential for trouble.
Celts must keep our discipline if we are to win the game. Having a man sent off is a massive weakness and it will do us no favours.
An exciting game is in store, within a fiery atmosphere. Old Firm games are one of the highlights of the season and recently, they have been very kind towards us. Though we have deserved it.
Enjoy the game, here's hoping we can keep up the whitewash into the new season!
Come On The Hoops!
Come On The Hoops Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Rangers