Rangers face arch-rivals Celtic for the second time in seven days as they clash in the quarterfinals of the Scottish Cup.
Last weekend, Danny Rohl’s men looked unplayable for the first 50 minutes, though defensive frailties surfaced as the match progressed.
Despite being 2-0 up at halftime, the Gers’ wavering legs allowed Martin O’Neill’s men to mount a 2-2 comeback.
With the league slipping away for both teams, the Scottish Cup now becomes a real opportunity for silverware.
For Rangers, this match is pivotal: not only must they avenge last week’s mistakes, but a loss would almost certainly mean an empty-handed campaign. Victory keeps trophy hopes alive and secures a crucial spot in the semifinal.
The game kicks off at 13:00 and will be live from Ibrox on Premier Sports and related fan channels.
Rangers’ recent results
After a tumultuous start to the season under Russell Martin, Danny Rohl has since steadied the ship at Ibrox, turning the team’s fortunes around.
In that time, Rohl’s team has won 14 games, drawn six, and lost just one in the Scottish Premiership.
However, four draws in the last six games have let Hearts extend their lead at the top of the league to six points.
Draws with Livingston and Motherwell have hampered Rangers’ league hopes, making this weekend’s cup match their best chance for silverware.
Rangers have been incredible in the cup so far, beating Annan Athletic and Queen’s Park 5-0 and 8-0 respectively.
The Gers have only lost one of their last seven meetings with Celtic.
Celtic’s recent results
Martin O’Neill’s team will be buoyed by their second-half performance last week as Rohl’s men slipped away.
They went above Rangers in the league midweek by beating Aberdeen 2-1, positioning themselves five points off Hearts.
Under O’Neill, Celtic has won 10 of its 15 matches and seems a different proposition that never lies down.
There is no question that Celtic won’t go down without a fight, but Rohl’s team should be confident of getting a result.
Rangers predicted starting XI.
In his press conference on Friday, Rohl confirmed that everyone is back in full training, giving him a full squad to choose from.
[4-2-3-1] Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Olsen, Moore, Gassama; Chermiti.
Celtics predicted starting XI.
Kasper Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston, and Arne Engels are all still sidelined with illness or injury.
Despite the suspension, Auston Trusty will be available this weekend because it is a cup tie.
[4-3-3] Sinisalo; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Hatate, Nygren, McGregor; Yang, Tounekti, Maeda.
Press conference comments
The Rangers boss said, “We have had a good week of training, the mindset is good, and we are fully focused on winning on Sunday.”
“We are ready to go again, and we have the belief to go and beat them.”
“As the Rangers manager, we must win trophies. We have a great opportunity on Sunday to step closer to one.”
O’Neill said, “I don’t think it (Sunday’s game) would have a serious bearing (on title), but in terms of confidence building, of course, those things always matter.”
“The overall picture is, I think, that it should be a wake-up call for the football club.”
