CELTIC V RANGERS A LOOK AHEAD TO SUNDAY'S HIGH NOON SHOWDOWN

Last updated : 18 April 2002 By
Is there such a thing as a meaningless old firm game – I think not.

Celtic go into Sunday's Old firm encounter at Celtic Park, kick off 12 noon, as champions for the second season in a row and looking to defend a one hundred per cent home league record, whilst Rangers travel to Paradise looking to salvage some pride from a league season they would best forget.

The fact that the two sides will meet again in the Scottish cup final in two weeks also adds spice to an encounter that is very seldom forgettable.

The confidence that the victors can take from a victory in this game will hold them in good stead for what is sure to be an enthralling cup encounter, so both sides will be desperate to get the victory that will set them up nicely for the final.

As usual, as the season approaches its end, injuries will determine the line – ups of both sides and Rangers look particularly hampered with the loss of several key players, including captain Barry Ferguson.

Martin O'Neill, though, doesn't have his problems to seek on the injury front either, and with players like Chris Sutton, Joos Valgaren and Bobo Balde struggling to be fit it could well be a makeshift Celtic side that takes to the filed for the high noon showdown.

Whatever the line up Celtic will be keen to preserve a perfect league home record, indeed if they were to do so it would be the first time in the club's history that this had been achieved.

There is also the small matter of 100 league points to be considerd as well, with Celtic sitting on 96 points and only 4 points away from the magical ton. This would also be a club record were it to be achieved over the remaining three league games.

Celtic have managed 10 goals in their last two home league games and have turned Celtic Park into a bit of a fortress in recent times - only Valencia have emerged unscathed from Celtic's home ground, and that was a penalty kicks victory.

So, it is going to be difficult for Rangers to take anything from this game. Old firm games are notoriously difficult to predict though and it is said that only a fool would try to do so – so, here goes, Finbar's fearless forecast is for a win for Celtic, but I think it will be close, maybe 2-1 or 1-0.