Spicy treat a real test of bravery
ALAN STUBBS believes Sunday’s spicy Old Firm showdown will be a “battle of the bravest”.
The former Celtic defender cannot wait for the clash with the title firmly on the line.
Stubbs declares the heat is on both Rangers and his old club, with the losers knowing defeat could savage their flag hopes.
The ex-Hibs boss reckons victory could all hinge on who has the mental courage as well as the ability to produce under scrutiny.
He said: “There are going to be a lot of different battles and contests going around all over the pitch and it is about who is the bravest.
“In these big matches, with your big players in terms of Rangers, such as James Tavernier, it’s about how Celtic stop him being an influence.
“It is a bit of a cat and mouse game. Do Celtic let Tavernier go forward, not track him and then, when they do win the ball, try to exploit that space?
“Is Tavernier maybe going to be far more concerned about who he is up against?
“We know what Daizen Maeda’s energy levels are like going forward and backwards.
“I’d have to say he’s probably one of the fittest players I have seen in terms of his work rate.
“There are lots of little subplots like that in the game and it is going to be a battle of the bravest. It is going to be spicy and there’s a huge amount of pressure on both teams because whoever loses the game is probably on the back foot then to win the title.”
Stubbs reckons it will be tight and tense in Govan with so much at stake.
Brendan Rodgers has led Celtic to victories in both Old Firm meetings this season but Rangers remain in the title mix after mounting a recovery since the appointment of Philippe Clement last October.
Stubbs added: “I think it will be really close, I really do. Rangers have had an upsurge, they are at home and the biggest thing about Old Firm games is you cannot underestimate the strength of a home crowd.
“Celtic are going to have to show their title credentials, which they have done before.
“This time around, the momentum is slightly with Rangers.
“But then it’s also, can Rangers deal with that pressure?.
“I’m really looking forward to it. It has the makings of a really good Old Firm game.”