The old derby arrives like a London bus. You wait for the first one to appear, and then both appear simultaneously.
Just a week after Rangers defeated Celtic 3-0 in the Scottish League Cup, it is now Rangers’ turn to take on Celtic in a bid to make it two wins from two games this season.
For Derek McInnes, it’s a chance to reduce the gap at the top of the Scottish League to just two points and extend Rangers’ recent unbeaten run in all competitions to six games. After a difficult start in Glasgow, two successive wins against the Old Firm will cement his status as the Ibrox favorite.
As for O’Neal, he’s eager more than anyone to see his greatest rival again as soon as possible. Last week’s 0-3 loss was both embarrassing and frustrating. It threatens to derail an otherwise promising start in domestic action.
A week later, the Boes not only have the chance of instant revenge but the chance to move up to eight points clear of their rivals in the Scottish Premiership. To do this, however, requires personnel adjustments and radical changes in performance.
Alan Hutton urges Celtic to make two key changes for Old Trafford Derby
Former Rangers star Alan Hutton has given his thoughts on this Sunday’s Old Firm derby in an interview with Football FanCast. The former Scotland international has urged Celtic to make two key changes if they are to avoid a repeat of last week’s humiliating defeat at Ibrox.
Starting goalkeeper Hutton believes summer signing Sam Johnstone should be dropped immediately after showing “nervousness” in the last Old Firm derby.
“I thought Sam Johnstone looked nervous in his first senior game,” Hutton explained. “[Viljami] Sinisalo didn’t do anything wrong before Johnstone came in, so that might be something to watch. “
The 41-year-old, who featured in 14 Old Firm derbies as a Rangers player, also revealed that Haitham Hassan has caught his eye since arriving in Scotland. He believes O’Neill can unlock the winger’s potential this Sunday after his impressive performance on the bench last week.
“For me, [Haissem] Hassan must start. When he came on at half-time in the Carabao Cup quarter-final, he looked to be Celtic’s only bright spot. “
Hassan has started four games in the Scottish Premiership since arriving, and while he’s still scoreless, there’s no better time to steal the spotlight than this Sunday against Rangers.
The impressive Hassan should start with Tounekti
It was an unforgettable afternoon for Sebastian Tounekti on his last outing. He was hooked at half-time and now faces an uphill battle to regain his place from substitute Hassan.
The summer arrival has undoubtedly impressed Hutton and many others. If revenge is O’Neal’s goal, adding Hassan to a front line that already includes Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogg would be a great way to do that.
This would immediately provide Celtic with two direct wingers and a versatile goalscorer, leaving Rangers behind in the proceedings this Sunday.
Scottish Premier League Statistics 26/27 | Haitham Hassan | Camilo Duran |
|---|---|---|
every minute | Chapter 284 | Chapter 387 |
Target | 0 | 3 |
Assist | 1 | 5 |
Acceptances per 90 people | 2.85 | 0.7 |
Chances created every 90 | 1.9 | 1.63 |
Touches of the ball in the opposition penalty area per 90 times | 6.65 | 6.74 |
These numbers indicate that Tulane’s output is being shipped. He was the driving force on the Celtics’ front line, forcing O’Neal’s team forward and, most importantly, pushing opposing teams backward.
His ability to create chances, combined with his receiving ability, should see the Egyptian start immediately against Rangers on Sunday.