ALEX HAS HIS REASONS WHY GERS WILL WIN
HALF a team missing, not on top of their game and no fans – these are the reasons former Rangers star Alex Cleland reckons Celtic will lose tomorrow.
The Hoops are ravaged by Covid-19 issues and injuries with as many as six key stars potentially out for the first derby clash of a pivotal season.
Hatem Abd Elhamed, Nir Bitton and Odsonne Edouard have tested positive whi le Ryan Christie is having to selfisolate with James Forrest definitely out injured and Albian Ajetti a doubt.
No fans at Parkhead will also be a massive boost for Steven Gerrard’s side, hugely reducing the home advantage for Celtic.
But above all, Cleland insists the Gers are simply playing better than their great rivals.
The former full-back and current St Johnstone assistant manager said: “Rangers are definitely going into the game in better form. They are the favourites.
“They have a lot of players performing really well right now and they’re defending superbly. They’re not losing goals.
“They have added more attacking power and there is a lot of quality in the midfield and choices for Gerrard too.
“So they must be going into this one with a lot of confidence.
“We miss the fans – it’s not been great for anyone and I don’t like it.
“But it might just help Rangers. The demands are always there, of course. You have to win every game.
“However, in normal circumstances when stadiums are packed then it’s even more intense.
“So it is a benefit to Rangers both home and away – and especially in this game when instead of 59,000 fans against them there will be no one there.”
Cleland’s Saints have faced both sides this season, losing 3-0 at Ibrox and then sucker-punched by two late Celtic goals at McDiarmid Park when it looked like they were going to grab a point.
Scott Brown was crucial in that Hoops win, coming on to galvanise his side, and Cleland feels the fitness and form of the captain will be crucial to his side’s 10-in-a-row bid.
He said: “Celtic have the experience and in Brown they’ve someone who is so influential and knows what it takes to be successful.
“He will be absolutely massive this season and if he can stay fit then he will be pivotal to what Celtic hope to achieve.
“We’ve played both sides and I don’t think there is any doubt it’s going to be a tight campaign.
“When all players are available the squads are evenly matched.
“Squad rotation’s going to be key with so many matches this season. When the Europa League starts next week then it will be Thursday-Sunday virtually every week.
“They’ve both started the season well but it’s all about sustaining it.
“Rangers didn’t do that last season. For whatever reason they came back from Dubai and had a poor start to the second half of the season.
“They’ll have looked at that and make sure it doesn’t happen again – although there isn’t a winter break this season so maybe that will be to their advantage.”