match thread (image) [FT] Rangers 1 (Hagi 33) - 0 Hibernian

[Gonzo79 15,294]

Big game tomorrow. 

 

Hibs are on a decent run of form and so are we, so I'm expecting a more competitive match than we're used to (domestically), with both teams trying to score.

 

I think Roofe will be the main man again.  The likes of Arfield, Aribo and Hagi will hopefully be starting and raring to go.

 

'Mon The Rangers!  ??

[compo 7,052]

Let's keep up our good form and get the three points, mon the gers 

[onevision 1,571]

3points.

Nothing more, nothing less....mon the teddy bears. ??

[Tannochsidebear 2,420]

The start of an absolutely massive week for us with best of the rest Hibs followed by a trip to Paisley where we were caught out recently and the bheasts next weekend. 9 points goes a long way towards 55, 7 points will be seen as somewhat reasonably decent, and anything less and we are going to have serious doubts about our credentials to get this done, with an always difficult trip to Dolly up after these.

 

Our players and management must be fully focused and be aware of just how big a leap towards our ultimate goal this week can provide if we play our top game.

 

First things first, and we must right the wrongs of Easter Rd where we dropped 2 points due to poor officiating and not being ruthless enough in attack or concentrating enough defensively. Hibs will be a very stiff test, are expected to be very different from our usual opponents in terms of shape and challenge provided and we will have to outperform their midfield and take our chances while remaining completely switched on defensively.

 

In reality the cost to assemble our squad compared to Hibs shows a monumental gulf in quality and depth, but Hibs are belying that gulf by their performances and results recently and this will be just as hard a test as the following weekend, some may say more so. 
 

Let’s  not forget however that we are on quite a league run ourselves with 11 straight victories and we will go in as clear favourites to make that 12.

 

At the halfway point and with a decent lead of 7 points, our title rivals will be looking at the fixtures and wondering where we are going to slip up and will have this game earmarked as a potential for us dropping points and give them some momentum for next week. We must not open the door ajar even a little.

 

Really looking forward to seeing how we play and cope tomorrow, but I will take a scrappy victory of any sorts and gladly move on as we start to count downwards in terms of games remaining rather than games played.

 

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,752]

As much as Hibs offer a more offensive challenge, I can only see this a positive for us. The last group of games have seen us face teams that have set up very defensively, with little space to get in behind.

 

Let's not lose sight of where we are and how we got there. We are the top of the league for a reason and IMO, all the tactical questions are firmly on Hibs. Do they come at us and open themselves up to Tav/Borna/Aribo/Kent/Kamara/Airfield/Hagi/Roofe exploiting space they have not had in a while? Or do they sit tight and stuff the midfield and hope for something on the break?

 

Personally I think we will wallop them today. 

Edited December 26, 2020 by BlackSocksRedTops

[buster. 5,200]

1 hour ago, BlackSocksRedTops said:

As much as Hibs offer a more offensive challenge, I can only see this a positive for us. The last group of games have seen us face teams that have set up very defensively, with little space to get in behind.

 

Let's not lose sight of where we are and how we got there. We are the top of the league for a reason and IMO, all the tactical questions are firmly on Hibs. Do they come at us and open themselves up to Tav/Borna/Aribo/Kent/Kamara/Airfield/Hagi/Roofe exploiting space they have not had in a while? Or do they sit tight and stuff the midfield and hope for something on the break?

 

Personally I think we will wallop them today. 

I'm usually as cautious as they come about predicting the winning of football matches but I kind of share your optimism regards a relative wallop.

 

I'd obviously take any kind of win but I think title winning sides tend to send out markers at certain stages of the season, with the festive season being one of the most traditional and important.

 

What we can't do is drop points and allow doubt and talk of momentum shifts to dominate next week.

 

 

The last time Celtic were going for 10IAR, I was with my Dad on a train that we boarded at Leuchars, going to Edinburgh and with a tiny transistor radio held close to the window for a signal, we listened to David Francey commentating on the New Year OF fixture at Ibrox. That day was a marker, 3-0 win. I didn't realise the relevance at the time but I hoped we scored as we passed Markinch.

Edited December 26, 2020 by buster.

[BlackSocksRedTops 3,752]

13 minutes ago, buster. said:

I'm usually as cautious as they come about predicting the winning of football matches but I kind of share your optimism regards a relative wallop.

 

I'd obviously take any kind of win but I think title winning sides tend to send out markers at certain stages of the season, with the festive season being one of the most traditional and important.

 

What we can't do is drop points and allow doubt and talk of momentum shifts to dominate next week.

 

 

The last time Celtic were going for 10IAR, I was with my Dad on a train that we boarded at Leuchars, going to Edinburgh and with a tiny transistor radio held close to the window for a signal, we listened to David Francey commentating on the New Year OF fixture at Ibrox. That day was a marker, 3-0 win. I didn't realise the relevance at the time but I hoped we scored as we passed Markinch.

David Francey...I have fond memories of hearing his dulcut tones. These were usually via the TV/Radio from some exotic location when Rangers/Scotland were playing (pre Sky for the younger members)

[Gonzo79 15,294]

We're certainly due Hibs a walloping but any kind of win will do.

[DMAA 3,658]

Gerrard’s selection will be very interesting today, particularly in terms of what he does with the CF/Morelos situation. A start for Morelos today would indicate he plans to start him against Celtic.
After Roofe’s performance at CF during the week, and the performance of Hagi, I think Hagi has put himself in contention and I hope to see a similar starting 11 today. 

Edited December 26, 2020 by DMAA

[DMAA 3,658]

1 minute ago, Gonzo79 said:

We're certainly due Hibs a walloping but any kind of win will do.

Not long since the last one to be fair, 6-1 in August 2019.