Former Scotland forward James McFadden says a “supremely confident” Celtic will fancy themselves, given their recent derby dominance – and a Rangers “rebuild is required” regardless of Saturday’s outcome.
Celtic’s dominance in this fixture is what stands out. Rangers have struggled to get to grips with them and have found themselves two goals down in the blink of an eye in the last few meetings. That has to change.
Celtic are hitting top form at the minute. In the last month some of their football has been outstanding. They’ll be supremely confident.
Meanwhile, Rangers are struggling with form and injuries. That could have an impact. You never make a team heavy favourites heading into an Old Firm game because anything can happen, but Celtic are certainly favourites.
Rangers have to get at Celtic and try to stop them from playing because how they have approached the derbies this campaign has not worked. They are facing a Celtic team in full swing.
Motivation is never an issue for either side, it always means a lot in the Scottish football landscape. If Celtic go and win a league and cup double, it’s been a very good season. If Rangers win their second cup of the campaign, it helps the manager with the narrative surrounding him.
Even if Rangers win the cup, I think people acknowledge there needs to be big changes this summer. A rebuild is required. Regardless of what happens at Hampden, it will need to be a different Rangers next season.