There are two games in the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League on Sunday and the main event is the last Old Firm game of the season – which is potentially the last for a long while. Despite all the off-the-field problems and stories, there will be the usual commitment as both teams strive for bragging rights in Glasgow.
Celtic v Rangers
There has been some talk about this Old Firm game being “meaningless” as Celtic wrapped up the SPL title weeks ago. But try telling that to the fans, as you can expect the usual excitement and tense atmosphere in Glasgow come Sunday lunchtime that is associated with every Old Firm clash.
True, survival for the administration-stricken Rangers is more important that league points, but victory over their fiercest old rivals would be a moment of light relief for Gers fans who have suffered more than most in recent months (Celtic 4/5, draw 13/5, Rangers 10/3 Match Betting).
Neil Lennon rested several star men for their clash with Motherwell last time out but, unsurprisingly, they are all back for the Old Firm clash. Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown, Kelvin Wilson and Glenn-Loovens return to first-team plans for Parkhead, while Adam Mathews and Beram Kayal are back from illness and injury respectively and could be included.
For Rangers, Kyle Lafferty is not considered after being handed a two-week club suspension while Kirk Broadfoot and Jamie Ness are available again after struggling with injuries.
When it comes to who can get the goals, Gary Hooper (4/1 First Goalscorer) is the main man for Celtic with 18 league strikes this term and he is the leading man to break the deadlock at Parkhead. Rangers have relied on Sone Aluko (5/2 Anytime Goalscorer) since the exit of Nikica Jelavic but, despite his pace which is capable of causing huge problems, the former Aberdeen man is not as potent as his predecessor.
In three Old Firm games so far there has been 12 goals, so expect more of the same and all the traditional fireworks associated with one of the biggest derbies in world football, despite Rangers’ recent off-field woe (21/10 – 4 or more – Total Goals).
St Mirren v Hibernian
Neither of these teams are really going into this game with any run of form behind them. It’s only one win and three draws from the last six home matches for St Mirren, while Hibs’ away form boasts three wins and three losses from the last six (St Mirren 6/5, draw 9/4, Hibs 9/4).
The home side have a full squad to choose from and boss Danny Lennon admits he is looking for a continuation in the “entertaining style and attacking football” they have shown to be higher in the table than many expected.
Hibs are battling to ensure their SPL future and have received a boost with the news Garry O’Connor’s foot injury isn’t as bad as first feared and could feature. It is touch-and-go if Pat Fenlon will risk him, and he may opt for Eoin Doyle or Roy O’Donovan (Doyle 8/1 O’Donovan 9/1 First Goalscorer) instead.
The visitors managed a narrow win in the most recent encounter at Greenhill Road, but there was a 0-0 at Hibs last month, and this game looks very close yet again (15/2 0-0 Correct Score).
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