Rangers Match Preview-Espanyolification.

By: Matt | August 30th, 2008

Once again, Celtic and Rangers are virtually tied going into a clash together. Despite being the early month of August in the young SPL season, this game could put some shape on the upcoming season for both teams. A win by either team can start a lead that might never be surpassed, while a draw keeps things interesting and nerves on both sides up. On the Tim-ernet, Rangers offseason of paying too much for Maurice Edu and Kyle Lafferty and unceremoniously dropping out of the Champions League has been described as the beginning of “Espanyolification” (or Citeh-ification if you like) of Rangers. Many Celtic fans believe (or are hoping really) that these set backs will start the process of Rangers being the small club of Glasgow, a la Espanyol in Barcelona (or Man Citeh in Manchester). While you could make a pretty good argument that this probably is not going to happen and is merely a Celtic fan’s dream, it does bring up an interesting question. Does Celtic “need” Rangers? If Rangers were to go the way of Espanyol, would ties with them lose the uniqueness and excitement that make Danny Dyer want to be part of it (’ave it!)?

Firstly, I would just like to say I do not like the term “Old Firm”. While its use will never be stopped, like many other Celtic fans, I do not see our clubs, our fans, and our history the same as Rangers. I do not want to be associated with certain elements of the Rangers support and hopefully our upcoming trips in Europe, including UEFA Cup Final host Manchester, will be able to differentiate between our support, who are known for their good behavior, and our city (no pun intended) rivals Rangers and their support, who do not have such a good reputation. However, business wise I don’t think a weak Rangers would really hurt Celtic. In fact, it might grow Celtic. A strong Celtic would win over bandwagon fans (they’re out there sadly) looking for a team (ManUification?). Receiving the entire pot of Champions League money, as occurred this year, could also put Celtic at an advantage in both business and on the pitch.

However, what fun would derby day be? Even if the game is close, the atmosphere would not be there if Rangers and Celtic were not neck and neck for the title. Talk about sectarian bull shit all you want, but you’d just be at a orange rally/IRA rally if it was a boring game. The passion comes from the relative closeness in skill level between the teams. Oh sure, I’d love you a good gubbing of Rangers every now and again, but would you remember that or remember Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s late header last year that got us in the title chase more?

Onto the game Sunday, Gordon Strachan played the role of rain cloud on everyone’s parade announcing that new signings, including Henrik Larsson are unlikely before Monday’s deadline. The Ginger Gaffer also quashed any talk of Shaun Maloney picking up an injury over the weekend when saying, “I saw the story and it said he had been injured in a tackle from Aiden McGeady, I mean come on, who believes that? He was injured in a tackle? From Aiden McGeady?! Not even the most hardened supporter would believe that! Shaun caught the ball on the end of his toe and he’ll be fine.” Gary Caldwell is also recovered from injury and should be ready to attack David Weir at the drop of a hat.The health of striker combo Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Scott McDonald continue to be a question unanswered. McDonald is “least likely to play” and Vennegoor of Hesselink is “most likely to play” according to Strachan.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has been the subject of transfer rumors himself, with Turkish side Galarasaray expressing interest in the big Dutchman, but apparently JVOH has told all potential bidders that he is not looking for a move from Celtic and will not be listening to any offers, even an apparent big wage increase like Galarasaray offered him.