match thread (image) [FT] Rangers 1 - 0 Celtic (Jack 30)

[Frankie 8,663]

It's been a long, hard six months for Rangers players.  Yes, they might not work the kind of gruelling shifts many of our fans do and they all earn a lot more than most of us can even dream about but the best part of 40 games in less than six months is still a big physical and mental test.  After Saturday's game we will have played 38 matches - the same as our whole domestic league season. That cannot be downplayed.

 

With that in mind, our lack of form recently is best explained by that incredible schedule of matches.  Some players are clearly tired and we've lost several important players to injury as well.  Meanwhile, if we look poor tactically that can be explained by a lack of training time - especially during the last month.  This isn't excuse making as some of our poor play is far from acceptable but a pragmatic examination of the facts.

 

The Hibs draw was a good example of this.  Fans, myself included, were understandably disappointed as we lost another late goal to drop two crucial points.  After a fairly decent first half, we didn't do as well after the break.  In the opening period, we played with pace, tempo and quality and didn't allow Hibs into the game at all - although Allan McGregor did have two good saves on the stroke of half-time.

 

The second half was different.  Due to injuries we couldn't maintain the same tempo and certainly not the high press we had used to good effect.  The defence sat too deep and the gaps between them, the midfield and Morelos became too big.  We lost possession cheaply and couldn't support the Colombian.  As such, Hibs came into the game both in terms of possession and territory.  Yet until their late equaliser, they didn't really threaten whilst we, again, should have scored at least once more to make the points safe.  Although the fans didn't enjoy our containment game, it was generally working and our counter-attacking should have yielded another goal.  Instead, it was Hibs that took the sole chance they created and again we were left ruing what could and should have been.

 

Unfortunately for some, I don't see us being tactically any different against Celtic.  Although the quality in the Scottish Premiership seems to have improved this season (and the table does suggest that) our budget is second only to Celtic so, busy schedule or not, we should be more consistent in terms of performances and results.  Yes, we absolutely should expect Rangers teams to dominate against (most) teams at Ibrox but we should be sensible enough to acknowledge other factors can affect the way we play and the outcome.  

 

To that end, although our Europa League adventure has now ended we're still paying for that run and the winter break can't come quickly enough.  As such, while we're hoping for a high tempo again tomorrow and wish to take the game to our opponents, it simply won't happen for the whole match - even if we're playing well.  Celtic will have periods of the ball, will create chances and will push us back.  Both the players and the fans have to accept that and deal with it.  Most importantly, if we're to play on the counter then we must take any chances that come our way at any point of the game.

 

In terms of the team, further knocks and niggles from the last few weeks may effect the manager's selection again tomorrow but I am hopeful one or two key players can make it.  For example, I think Scott Arfield may just start the game and his attacking play would be vital in a team that's struggled to make their scoring chances count of late.  Other than that it will be a case of seeing who is fittest, who is most confident and who wants to stand up and be counted for the manager.  For all the disappointment of the other night, he will have been pleased with the efforts of Ryan Jack and Ross McCrorie in the middle of the park and they will be important again tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Joe Worrall and Andy Halliday did very well in defence for the vast majority of the game against Hibs so we need not risk the likes of Wallace or McAuley.

 

I also don't expect a change of formation.  Many fans are frustrated with the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 we tend to use but the majority of the time it does work - especially against more expansive opposition - so it would be a surprise to see us change tomorrow.  Once again, arguably the biggest decision for the manager will be who to play in the attacking roles.  Lafferty played wide left in the game at Celtic Park but didn't do much in an attacking sense.  Interestingly Candeias didn't start that game and we seemed to miss his work-rate on the right flank.  Will the likes of Kent be a surprise inclusion or should we persevere with the dangerous - though very raw - Glenn Middleton?

 

No matter the team, getting a result against Celtic is a big ask.  The remain clear favourites for the SPFL title and, despite some struggles this season, remain a dangerous side full of attacking threat.  As such, we'll need to work very hard throughout the team and we simply must take any chances we can create.  As fans, we'll also need to be patient, support the side throughout and help the players through this final hurdle ahead of a well deserved few weeks rest and recuperation.  

 

The last six years have been extremely difficult for us all.  We're all absolutely desperate to bring back success to the club and often I think that desperation means we can be unreasonable in our expectations.  This season has seen us progress and some poor results shouldn't mask that.  On the other hand, it would be daft to ignore the issues that persist so the management team has much work to do as we enter 2019.  However, we are getting there and we just have to appreciate our return to the top won't happen overnight.  If we can add a few new players and some extra much needed quality then we should be even happier by the end of the season.

 

In the here and now though, a win on Saturday against our oldest rivals would be one large step forward and a huge boost to morale and belief.  Here's to one more push before a well earned rest for us all.  Let's hope 2019 is a prosperous one!

 

Possible team (4-2-3-1):

 

 

 

[Gonzo79 15,299]

I never look forward to these matches but I can't ever remember dreading one this much.  If our players could at least show a bit of fight, for once, I'll be pleasantly surprised (I won't hold my breath).  

 

I suspect we'll surprise them with an unusual 4-3-3 formation and sit off them, letting them have the ball in their own half, to start off with.  They'll score after about 20 minutes and then run all over us for the remainder of the match and we'll have to rely on McGregor to repeatedly save us from another embarrassment.  

 

Prove me wrong, Rangers.  

[Scott7 6,170]

Rangers will lose.

celtic are not a great team. We’ve known that for a few seasons now. They don’t have to be. No other side is can get more than a few consecutive wins. Rangers certainly can’t. Jostling with Kilmarnock and Aberdeen isn’t a league winning status.

Comparative success in Europe has reduced the level of criticism but what success was it? Most of the opposition were nonentities.

The Whyte/Green excuses are wearing thin. We’ve got enough to see off the rest of Scotland and have a decent shot at the tims. Morelos apart we have no gallus guys and no tough guys and no high talent. Alfie is all three in one. Viva el Buffalo

[Frankie 8,663]

45 minutes ago, Gonzo79 said:

I never look forward to these matches but I can't ever remember dreading one this much.  If our players could at least show a bit of fight, for once, I'll be pleasantly surprised (I won't hold my breath).  

 

I suspect we'll surprise them with an unusual 4-3-3 formation and sit off them, letting them have the ball in their own half, to start off with.  They'll score after about 20 minutes and then run all over us for the remainder of the match and we'll have to rely on McGregor to repeatedly save us from another embarrassment.  

 

Prove me wrong, Rangers.  

I understand that feeling and have felt it several times in recent years.  However, there's no reason, no reason at all why the team posted above can't get something out of this game.

 

At some point we have to start believing in ourselves again or just become perennial losers.

[Gonzo79 15,299]

It's up to the players to start believing.  

 

I would suggest the last 10 (or thereabouts) performances and results against that lot is enough of a reason to think we'll get nothing tomorrow.  

[der Berliner 3,809]

I hate it when we have a OF game coming up and are either are off form or have a dozen people out injured. Right now it is a combination of both. Critically our main CHs are out and we may very well see Katic and Worrall being paired alongside one another for the first time ... and only Katic has OF "experience".

 

I actually checked the team that was virtually over-ran at the Scumhut.

 

McGregor

 

Tavernier - Goldson - Katic - Barisic

 

Jack*

 

Candeias - Arfield - Kent**

 

Lafferty - Morelos

 

* - 81 Middleton

** - 87 Candeias

 

Missing or doubtful* for tomorrow:

Jamie Murphy (Knee), Graham Dorrans (Knee), Ryan Kent (Thigh), Umar Sadiq (loan cut short), Ovie Ejaria (loan cut short), Scott Arfield (Thigh)*, Gareth McAuley (Thigh)*, Borna Bariŝić (Thigh), Ryan Jack*, Connor Goldson* and Eros Grezda*

 

In short, we are crippled and are left with folk to fill in slots where we would need quality most. The Yahoos, while ot firing on all cylinders, will have players running on adrenalin by now already, as quite a few have seen a dozen or more OF games and will try to ran us ragged.  And given our lack of luck in front of goals, this might very well be a tough game to watch for us. All I hope for is that no matter who is picked, the player shoudl give his all for the jersey, club and us. And that starts with the captain.

 

There is every chance that we'll finish the year in 3rd place (Killie at home to St. Mirren), so better be prepared for that than becoming all too upset tomorrow evening.

Edited December 28, 2018 by der Berliner

[Frankie 8,663]

Looks like Goldson and McAuley will be available as both trained with the rest of the group today. 

 

Not sure about Arfield and Kent yet. 

[ian1964 10,761]

[Soulsonic5791 408]

It is vitally important that our support don't adopt the 'beat before we start' mindset. That's the yahoos domain. They are past masters at going on to the pitch beat before the game starts - the nineties were a perfect example of this.

We have seen what effect a quiet crowd (not expecting to do anything) can have with being detrimental to a performance this season in the game v Spartak at Ibrox. If we as a crowd turn up and are overly edgy, it'll transmit on to the park. Yes, we don't have a great team in terms of quality, but we can still roar the team on and help them overachieve. 

 

Can we try and stay positive? 

 

If we suffer a reverse, hopefully Gerrard hasn't been culpable and the upshot is that the board realise that they are going to have to find more money to afford a better standard of player.

 

Otherwise, all they are doing is delaying the inevitable. And that doesn't bear thinking about.

[Gribz 919]

3 hours ago, Gonzo79 said:

I never look forward to these matches

 

Feck me I love these matches...there is absolutely nothing to fear and we are due a win. Call me spoilt from the 90s.

 

Good preview Frankie...interesting Lafferty on the left though.....