With Celtic edging towards their successive treble dreams, they are due to face Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. The Glasgow rivals are due to collide with each other on Sunday at Hampden Park and the Old Firm derby, as it is popularly known as, has all the ingredients to be a nail-biting encounter.
Here are three things which the Gers must aim to do to stop Brendan Rodgers’ troops from taking yet another step towards maintaining their territorial dominance.
Stop Brown From Dictating The Tempo
Scott Brown has truckloads of experience under his belt and there is no denying that his potential to dictate the tempo of the game from the middle of the park is undeniable. Brown cushions the back line in a meticulous fashion and seamlessly surges forward to create chances.
It would be intriguing to see how Graeme Murty’s men manage to keep the 32-year-old at bay but the gaffer would need a couple of players to disrupt and dispossess Brown as much as possible. The central midfielder must not be allowed to settle himself if the Light Blues genuinely want to outclass their arch rivals.
Morelos Has To Step Up
Alfredo Morelos has plundered 14 goals in 31 appearances in the Scottish Premiership this season but the Columbian striker has been criticized at times for his inconsistency. He has missed sitter on handful of occasions and he should certainly be a lot more clinical against Rodgers’ men.
The back line of the Bhoys has been timorous at times this season and there is a genuine lack of cohesion amongst their defenders. Morelos should try to breach past them and avail himself inside the box to make the most of the crosses and chances that he is seemingly likely to receive.
Tavernier Must Outsmart Tierney
Kieran Tierney is unarguably one of the hottest properties that the Scottish football has on offer. The sensational and dazzling young left-back has showcased immense potential and calibre down the right and the manner in which he maintains a perfect balance between his defensive duties and offensive endeavours is exemplary.
Meanwhile, James Tavernier has also been an exceptional performer this season from the right-back slot. He has been buccaneering down the right flank and threatening oppositions’ defence. He has linked up with Daniel Candeias in a shrewd manner, more often than not, and how he deals with Tierney could have a major say in deciding the final output of the fixture.
