As we head into the waiting game and the countdown to kick off in our second League Cup Final under Ange Postecoglou, the conundrum over who will start the game and who will be on the bench is something that both managers will have to contend with, whilst the supporters will have their own ideas.
The Celtic Star Writers all gave their predictions beforehand, and yours truly went for a modest 3-1 but a tighter affair than the scoreline would suggest on the day. There will be bags of drama I might add and am certain that VAR will have quite a substantial say and away over the match at Hampden Park tomorrow afternoon.
However, officiating aside, let’s take a deeper delve into the possible key battles for tomorrow’s Cup Final fixture between these two sides and where the game could potentially be won and lost. TheRangers have injury woes of their own to deal with, whilst Celtic appear from the outside to have a clean bill of health for this one – which is a rarity, one might add.
Now then, let’s get to the crux of the matter and see how each team might line-up and the battles that could decide the outcome of the 2022/23 season’s first domestic silverware…
Starting with our opponents, let’s see how they might shape up on Sunday…
With the news that John Lundstram and Malik Tillman face late fitness tests but are battling to be ready to face Ange and his Bhoys, I would certainly be including these two in any potential starting XI for theRangers. He’ll most likely start with McGregor in goal, with a back four of Tavpen, Goldsave, Davies, and Barisic. A midfield two in front of the Hammer-thrower and Raskin, whilst ahead of them, Tillman, Kent, and Sakala, with Morelos spearheading their attack finally.
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic; Lundstram, Raskin, Kent, Tillman, Sakala; Morelos
That means it’s time to see how Ange will set-up as we look to win our first major trophy this season…
We’re practically safe and sound on the injury front, with everyone now fit and available according to reports. With that said, I reckon the big man will go for Hart in goal, with a backline of, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, and Greg Taylor. In front of those four will be, McGregor, Hatate, and Aaron Mooy, with Jota, Kyogo, and the surprise inclusion of Abada on the right-wing.
Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Cal, Hatate, Mooy; Jota, Kyogo, Abada
Let’s take a closer look at the key battles that could emerge from these potential starting line-up’s…
Key Battles
Taylor v Sakala
This one could be a very interesting match-up and could even be crucial in deciding where the Viaplay League Cup Trophy sits come Sunday dinner time. At Ibrox back in January, Sakala absolutely tortured Josip Juranovic who was put in at left-back to cover for the injured Greg Taylor at the time. Ange obviously didn’t fancy putting in South American star, Aexandro Bernabei in case he was consumed by the atmosphere that day and sent in the Croatian World Cup star instead.
That one didn’t work out well at all and was a key factor in why the game had gotten so far away from us. We missed Greg’s assured style of play and tactical and spatial awareness for the rest of the game following his absence. Speed merchant Sakala lapped it up and it is no doubt why he feels so cocky this time around. However, he didn’t play against Taylor during that little spell of dominance they had at home in the cinch Premiership, and it will be riveting to watch these two tussle for superiority on that side of the big Hampden pitch.
McGregor v Lundstram
Let’s face it – the Hammer-thrower isnt in the same hemisphere as Cal Mac when it comes to quality on the ball, or finesse, or just about anything really. That is not to say he can’t have a major influence on his team on the day. He’s a motivator Lundstram and a grafter – who happens to also like kicking lumps out of Hoops players. That is why Beale has been so desperate to get him out of that moon boot and back on the training field. He could be essential to disrupting the ebb and flow of our game. Remember Ange Postecoglou spoke previously about discipline..? Well that’s a perfect example of why we need that in our game if Lundstram is involved.
Callum will be his usual, calm, still, yet internally motivated self, but you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be war in that central area of the field if the ex-Sheffield United man is involved. Sparks will fly and it will come down to more than just footballing brilliance. We will need guile and graft and even a bit of nastiness at times, dare I say. Cal Mac has all that and more at the ready but it will still be a keenly fought affair this one of he’s declared fit in time.
Abada v Barisic
I went for a bit of a wildcard with this one as I just feel Ange Postecoglou one is that Abada rises to the occasion in these games and always managed to cause havoc or grab a goal at times. Last February, during our midweek humbling of the newest Ibrox side under the lights at Paradise to go top of the league looking down on theRangers, Abada gave Barisic nightmares with his elusive movement and stealthy play in and around the penalty box. When Abada scored and he sunk to the floor, it pretty much summed up the situation in an image. He was forlorn and it was all because of Liel.
With that big, wide pitch available for Liel to run freely in come Sunday afternoon, it could be a sumptuous day for the Celts of Barisic crumbles once again under the pressure of the little Israeli warrior. Daizen Maeda would be dropping out of the side at his expense, but it would mean Jota can play in his more natural, left-sided position and Maeda can come on to kill the remaining energy in those already gelatin-like legs of theRangers defence. It’s a win-win for me this one!
Watch this space.
You heard it hear first…
Paul Gillespie
