Hampden Park will be the venue everybody in Scotland will have their eyes on this Sunday. It’s time for the biggest game in Scottish football as Rangers take on their bitter rivals Celtic in the semis of the Scottish League Cup. The two Glasgow clubs are connected with a century-old rivalry. Glasgow will be divided into two halves on Sunday. Celtic and Rangers hate each other to the core and the last thing they would want is a loss.
Celtic thumped Rangers 5-1 in the first Old Firm Derby this season that was in the Premiership last month. Mark Warburton’s side were easily outplayed by Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic and the difference in quality between the two was clearly visible. Rodgers will demand a similar display from his boys this time out too.
Here are three Celtic players who will have a big say on the outcome of this clash.
Scott Brown
Celtic skipper Scott Brown is in excellent form this season. The 31-year-old has stamped his authority in the middle of the park on a regular basis this season and was one of the standout players for the Hoops in their 5-1 win over Rangers last month.
The tenacious Scottish international will look to keep up his stunning form in the middle of the park but will face a tough battle against Rangers midfielders Andy Halliday and Jason Holt who are much younger than him and possesses more energy. Brown’s display in midfield will have a big say on the outcome of this high-profile clash.
Kieran Tierney
Celtic have a true gem in their hands in young left-back Kieran Tierney. The 19-year-old left-back has been a consistent performer for the Hoops since last season. Despite his tender age, the Scottish wonderkid excels on either end of the pitch and can be moulded into a world-class modern day full-back in future.
Rangers are likely to start with Waghorn on the right flank and Tierney has to deal with the threat posed by the forward. At the same time, Rodgers will ask his left-back to burst forward on every opportunity.
Scott Sinclair
Brendan Rodgers reuniting with Scott Sinclair this summer has gone so well for both parties. The English winger already has eight goals to his name in all competitions this season and has already established himself as a pivotal player at Parkhead. The 27-year-old provides a major goal threat from down the left flank.
We have to wait and see whom Rodgers plays up front against Rangers between Dembele and Griffiths but Sinclair looks like a certain starter. The performance of the former Manchester City star will have a big say on the outcome of this clash.
