Celtic v. Rangers Preview

By: Matt | October 3rd, 2009

McDonald The first match up of the Glasgow Derby has a chance to be the defining game in the season. If Celtic were to win this crucial match up tomorrow, it would put the Bhoys seven points clear of Rangers in the SPL race, after only seven SPL matches. While we’ve all seen this “Celtic 7 pts. ahead Movie” before, with Rangers not being able to score in the entire month of September, it could be the first punch of the knockout that Celtic need to deliver. Of course, a loss at Ibrox on Sunday and Celtic only have a 1 pt. lead in the SPL and the title race is very much a tight one.

Coming into this match, Celtic have won all three of their away fixtures so far in the season, going 3-0-0. They have also been unbeaten in their last six matches overall. The Bhoys have averaged 2 goals a game in their away fixtures, with 6 goals total in their away matches. In all of their matches, Celtic is averaging 2.33 goals per game, which is best in the EPL. While the Celtic attack hasn’t shined in Europe, it continues to lead the way in the SPL. Of course, the defense of Celtic is often the butt of most criticisms by supporters, though away from Celtic Park, Celtic have conceded 0.33 goals per game, 2nd overall in the SPL away from home, and 0.33 goals in all matches, 3rd overall in the SPL.

The stats on the team from the other side of Glasgow are also very telling about their season so far. Rangers attack is carrying the weight so far, averaging 2.67 goals per game in 3 matches, though that number was skewed and has been brought back to earth after big victories over some lower competition like Hamilton and Falkirk, and last week’s goal-less draw with Aberdeen. In Rangers last three matches, they have gotten three straight scoreless draw, though they have also not lost a game in the last six. Rangers are 2-0-1 at Ibrox this season overall and have seen some defensive performances at home, only having conceded an average of 0.67 goals per game at home, the best such rate in the SPL.

Rangers are likely to be without Madjid Bougherra for Sunday after battling the flu all week. The loss of Bougherra would be a big one for Rangers, as he has been one of the better players for them this year. Lee ~~McElbows~~ McCullough might also miss the match due to illness. Of course, Walter Smith will be in the stand for this match, serving his four game suspension, though a monkey could tell them to stay 10 behind the ball.

Sunday will be the biggest test for Tony Mowbray’s new regime to date. While people will have tons of “suggestions” about European and other SPL games, ultimately a Celtic coach is judged by his performance against the bitter ancient rivals from the other part of town. Needless to say, ToMo seems up for it. This week he said, “We are in the position where going to Ibrox is a good game for us. We can open up a gap that will give us a bit of breathing space. But we will try to be positive and ask a few questions if we can. The occasion is there to be enjoyed and we will be trying to get a result to make a lot of people happy.”

Mowbray’s team selection for this all-important match might be effected by injuries and knocks to the team. Scott Brown’s ankle continues to be an issue and after picking up another injury to it in the midweek European tie. It is becoming such a problem that he will see a ankle specialist after Sunday’s match. While Brown has indicated he can play Sunday, his performances has suffered as of late (hopefully due to the injury and not, you know, being a headless chicken). Perhaps Barry Robson would be the better partner for Landry N’Guemo in the middle (though me calling for Barry Robson to play should not be a surprise to any readers). Mark Wilson got the unusual start against Rapid Vienna after Andreas Hinkel picked up an injury in practice earlier in the week. You could debate that Paul Caddis should have earned the start over the rarely used Wilson, but maybe he was being saved for Sunday. Either way, I’d rather see a healthy Andreas Hinkel in there, but that is yet to be seen. Celtic Cult Hero Paddy McCourt also suffered an injury before Thursday and will be another game time decision whether he can go or not.

The squad and formation that Tony Mowbray will go with seems to be a mystery though. Both selections have been changed a few times based on the squad available. I would expect Scott McDonald the lone striker, with Aiden McGeady and Shaun Maloney on the wings. Who ToMo will go with for his center back pairing is also a mystery. I am hoping for Glenn Loovens and Stephen McManus to be paired together, but the past few games has left everyone guessing. No matter what, I have a feeling both Tony Mowbray and Peter the Pointer will have the troops fired up for this one. The two former Celtic players now coaches know what this rivalry means and will have no trouble explaining that. This match is a huge one. KEEP THE FAITH!