The Celtic Star’s Glasgow Derby Predictions – First up is Paul Gillespie
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic FC at Ibrox on September 03, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s been a topsy-turvy kind of season this year and we’re now reaching the climax. Although I can’t say I’ve been impressed with our record against the poorer teams in the league or the side in third place currently, I do have to admit we’ve had their number in those two past derbies.
The last game at Ibrox was one that many dreaded as we had been so slow and sluggish at the start of the new season. Dropped points against St Johnstone beforehand didn’t exactly set the pulses racing either.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic scores the winning goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Celtic at Ibrox on September 03, 2023.(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Somehow though, we managed to go and deliver a knockout blow which came from our go-to-guy in these sorts of games, Kyogo. The wee fella has a wonderful knack of producing some of his best football whenever the Tribute Act are standing in front of us. The demolitions at Hampden Paradise and Ibrox in 2023 were something to behold and I wouldn’t put it past him doing it once again in what promises to be a cauldron come Sunday lunchtime.
The lack of a consistent and settled side has really been an issue all season but that hasn’t seemed to stop us from beating our closest rivals for the Scottish Premiership twice already. With Reo Hatate back and fit and Callum McGregor hopefully back in there with their old chum O’Riley, that midfield area could just win Celtic the match this weekend.
Reo Hatate of Celtic (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
With that said, I think it will be a similar match to the one that Celtic won in April 2022 at Ibrox, to all but clinch the title that year under Ange Postecoglou. I reckon Rodgers can do the same and put us in pole position for a dramatic finale…
Prediction: theRangers 1 – 2 Celtic
Goalscorers: Hatate and Kyogo
Oh, and a penalty for the home side just for good measure!
Paul Gillespie
More Glasgow Derby Predictions to follow…
ON CELTIC SHORTS…Kieran Tierney – Enjoying his football in La Liga, loving life in San Sebastián
Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week and if you join today you will receive a Premium Boxed Celtic Pen & Pencil Set.
