Edouard and Morelos are the obvious danger men. But for me it’s Ryan Christie who could make the difference
I’ve spoken to fans on both sides of the Old Firm divide in the build-up to this afternoon’s Betfred Cup Final.
All agree it’s going to be tight.
Those in green and white fancy their team to just shade it, while the blue-and-white followers believe they will see an end to their eight years without a major trophy.
The neutrals? Well, they are also finding it a close one to call, but most are favouring Celtic, ever so slightly.
There are many things to ponder ahead of the game.
Firstly, Glasgow’s big two head for Hampden with just two points separating them in the Premiership. Up until around 9.30pm on Wednesday, only a solitary goal stood between them.
It’s brilliant for Scottish football that they are so close.
Because of that, you’ll find it difficult to find anyone who believes either side will be on the receiving end of a thrashing.
There are players that stand out as being potential match-winners.
For Neil Lennon’s team, Odsonne Edouard possesses genuine quality.
Indeed, he may well be the most-talented footballer playing in Scotland right now.
It’s not clear if he will be fit enough to start today, having missed the last three games. But what a boost it will be for Celtic if he does. If he ends up having to take a seat in the stand at 3pm, that will be a massive lift for Rangers.
That said, Celtic are far from a one-man team, and Scott Brown will be integral to how they perform as a unit.
The captain popped up with the injury-time winner against Hamilton in midweek.
But I’m more inclined to lean towards Ryan Christie as being the man who can do the most crucial bit when it comes to keeping this particular piece of silverware at Parkhead.
It was in this very competition, at last season’s semi-final stage, that Christie arrived in a Celtic jersey.
He came off the bench against Hearts and turned in a stunning performance.
Aside from being sidelined by that terrible injury sustained in last April’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, he’s hardly been out of the team since.
He worked hard during the summer to improve his knowledge of the game and also his physique.
I love it when extra graft pays off.
He is now reaping the rewards and has developed into a quality performer.
There is still plenty more to come from him, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him emerge as the main man today.
Ryan’s movement is excellent and clever. He can find that wee bit of space in and around the penalty box.
Rangers will do very well to stop him. But they might not be able to.
For Steven Gerrard’s team, the obvious threat is Alfredo Morelos.
Everyone has talked non-stop about him, for a variety of reasons, for the past 14 or 15 months.
After his red card against Celtic towards the end of last season, I had my doubts about him as a character, and wondered if Scottish football was just not the right environment for him.
But the Colombian really has knuckled down, and some of his finishes have been as good as you will see anywhere.
From his second goal against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, to his finish at Livingston the previous week, he has improved by some distance.
He has also cooled his temperament, and is no longer a red card waiting to happen.
Of course, he has yet to score against Celtic. That’s the kind of thing that hangs over you and carries a certain degree of negativity.
But, remember, he did not start the only Old Firm game of this season to date. He was left on the bench, surprisingly, many have said.
I expect him to start today, and the battle between him and Christopher Julien and Kris Ajer is going to be fascinating.
Indeed, it could be where the Final is won and lost.
Whatever happens, I hope it is a piece of brilliance that settles this match. I’d hate it to be a mistake by a player or a refereeing error.
Willie Collum is the man in charge and, yes, he has his critics. But I think he is a very able whistler.
The managers are also important in how this day unfolds. From their starting line-ups to tactical tweaking here and there, a lot is resting on their shoulders.
Neil is the more-experienced gaffer, and has won plenty of trophies.
Steven is only just finding his way in the managerial business, but he is heading in the right direction.
Both of them can’t go home happy this evening.
One of them will be ecstatic, while the other will be hiding under the duvet.
It is only three weeks before they get the chance for revenge as both sides clash in the Premiership at Parkhead at the end of this month.
That will count for something as the pain seeps in this evening.
I’m honestly finding it difficult to predict the outcome. There is next to nothing to separate the teams – but I will not sit on the fence.
Celtic will just shade it and make it 10 domestic trophies in a row.
But I was with Celtic for 10 years, so maybe that’s the reason for my prediction more than anything else.
It’s that tight.
Neil and Steven can’t both go home happy this evening. One of them will be ecstatic, while the other will be hiding under the duvet