THERE will be no title party or guard of honour for Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday and but Neil Lennon’s cranked up the heat for what on paper is a meaningless game.
The Celtic boss, who will get his usual hot reception from the Rangers support, claimed he’s hated by some fans because they fear him.
To be fair there’s always something at stake in these games and Steven Gerrard says he wants to put a marker down ahead of next season.
Rangers ended a five-match losing home run against their great rivals with a 1-0 win at New Year and Gerrard would love to complete a home double over his biggest rivals.
That result should have paved the way for a title challenge but Rangers faltered after the break and never got close to stopping eight in a row.
Celtic have been celebrating but Lennon will be fully focused on this game before probably resting players on the final day ahead of the Scottish Cup Final.
I can see honours being shared. The draw pays 5-2 at Ladbrokes while a score draw is 18-5 at BetVictor. I’d consider 1-1 and remember three meetings this season have produced just five goals.
Celtic have kept six clean sheets since beating Gers 2-1 and that’s the only goal keeper Scott Bain has conceded in 10.
Gerrard’s men have been in good form too and Allan McGregor’s conceded just once since that Parkhead loss but is banned and will be replaced by Wes Foderingham who is a good back-up and has plenty of Old Firm experience.
With both defences on top consider under 2.5 goals at 10-11 with bet365.
Rangers are a best 2-1 with bet365 with Celtic 29-20 at William Hill.
Alfredo Morelos, yet to score against Celtic, is ban free but could be again on the bench after Jermain Defoe hit last week’s winner against Hibs. Defoe is 19-4 at McBookie to score first.
Since Billy McNeill’s death, Hoops No.5 Jozo Simunovic has netted in both games and is 14-1 at bet365 to make it a remarkable three in a row.
Kevin Clancy is the man in the middle and he’s been card-happy this season, averaging 4.1 yellows a game as well as flashing eight reds.
He has handed out 14 yellows and a red in his last two games and showed 11 yellows in the Rangers v Aberdeen Scottish Cup replay.
A red tomorrow pays 5-2 at McBookie while over 62.5 booking points is just 6-5.
Recommended Bets
- Rangers v Celtic draw (5-2, Ladbrokes)
- Defoe to score first (19-4, BetVictor)
- Red card (5-2, McBookie)
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