There’s no guarantee that Rangers will still be in existance by August/September time when they are due to go head-to-head with Celtic again.
In fact, it’s very difficult to see Rangers participating in next season’s SPL no matter what happens given events this week.
It says something that Sunday’s Old Firm match at Parkhead is almost meaningless for those in blue. The most important thing for them is that their club survives.
For those in green it’s a chance to celebrate their title success in their first home match since securing the championship at Kilmarnock as well as an opportunity to deliver another blow to their rivals.
Rangers may have won the last derby clash at Ibrox against the odds, but they are 4/1 to take the three points again with Celtic odds-on across the board.
Celtic will want to gain revenge for their recent defeat at Ibrox and morale in the visiting camp must be at an all-time low, and not just because of financial matters.
Kyle Lafferty was suspended this week by Ally McCoist for a breach of discipline suggesting all is not well, although the Gers have showed admirable spirit since going into administration, particularly recently, picking up four successive wins.
But Celtic have won 14 of 16 at home in the SPL and have lost only six goals in the process.
And they will be looking to give their fans a lift after losing to Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-finals two weeks ago, which ended their chances of winning a double.
Celtic are little value at a best of 4/5 unless you are a big hitter. Although they have already won the title, the fact they lost at Ibrox and the furore over Neil Lennon’s sending off that followed, I think Celtic will be well up for this and will want to put their rivals back in their place.
I reckon backing Celtic to win by three goals or more at 5/1 may pay dividends.
Elsewhere, I like the look of Joe Ledley to get on the scoresheet at anytime.
The midfielder has scored nine times this season, a tally which is more impressive given he has filled in at left back on a number of occasions.
One of his nine goals came against the Gers earlier in the season at Celtic Park and he was on target in the title-winning match at Kilmarnock.
Ledley is likely to be given license to get forward with Rangers almost certain to set up fairly defensively.
4/1 looks a reasonable price for the Welshman to get on target especially as he is 5/2 in places.
source: www.bettingzone.co.uk