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2004/05
Match Preview
Celtic v Rangers
The first Old Firm match of the season is
arguably the most unpredictable. Remember 6-2? It was almost to the
day, four years ago as Rangers strolled into Paradise with their new
big name signings and swagger. After 12 minutes, their arrogance had
disappeared.
This time around, it is Rangers who are the
underdogs. Going into the game on the back of a Champions League
preliminary exit isn't the best preperation for Big Feck and his merry
men. McLeish could get the sack if beaten tomorrow, but Rangers, in
truth, don't even have the money to fire him.
Rangers' new
signings are hardly setting the world alight. Boumsong in defence looks
a tidy player, but at times, clumsy. Nacho Novo is showing us why
Martin O'Neill didn't sign him, Prso is a striker who can't win a ball
in the air, and Vignol and Andrews look as though they would struggle
to make Celtic's Under 21 side.
The huns still have the old
favourites: Peter Lovenkrands; Stephen Thompson and of course Fernando
Ricksen. A comedy trio indeed. However, they have the best goalkeeper
in Scotland in Stefan Klos. Klos to Rangers in on par with what Henrik
Larsson was at Celtic. Though despite saving them a few times against
us, he hasn't done much to stop us recently.
Celtic are still
sweating over the availability of Chris Sutton, who has a hamstring
injury. Should Sutton not play, I believe we should throw Juninho in.
He is a world class player and why not play him against this mob? Craig
Beattie is definitley out but good news today was that Jackie McNamara
and Stan Varga both returned to training.
Much has been made of
the potential battle which will persue between Neil Lennon and Alex
Rae. This will probably fizzle out and nothing will happen, but there
is certainly the potential for trouble.
Celts must keep our
discipline if we are to win the game. Having a man sent off is a
massive weakness and it will do us no favours.
An exciting game
is in store, within a fiery atmosphere. Old Firm games are one of the
highlights of the season and recently, they have been very kind towards
us. Though we have deserved it.
Enjoy the game, here's hoping we can keep up the whitewash into the new season!
Come On The Hoops!
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