Rangers v Celtic, Sunday 4th October

My Thoughts

A mixed week in European competition for these two sides: Rangers were taught a lesson in counterattacking football from Master Manolo Jimenez and his grade-A students from Sevilla, while Celtic will be pleased that they didn't lose their game. Both teams also have mixed news on the injury front: after their midweek result, Rangers have doubts over Madjid Bougherra (who is lost somewhere in last Tuesday), Davie Weir (as discussed in a previous entry on here), Sasa Papac (who has blurred vision) and Jerome Rothen, who was found in the Sevilla laundry room last night, still in the shorts pocket of their right-back, Abdoulay Konko. The NHS have also been in contact with Rangers regarding Allan McGregor's goalkeeping jersey, requesting that it come with a health warning, due to the likelihood of it causing seizures. Celtic, on the other hand, look set to have Andreas Hinkel and Paddy McCourt (Old Firm side in signing Irish player shocker) back in contention, after both players missed their 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna.

The Verdict
Last season's Old Firm games were as tight as ever, save for Rangers' 4-2 win at Celtic Park last August. The last 4 meetings between the 2 sides have produced just 4 goals, so we're certainly due a few. Given the horsing that Rangers back line took at the hands of Sevilla, Tony Mowbray must be optimistic for his first Old Firm derby as a manager. Celtic to edge it, perhaps by the odd goal in 5

The Bet
Of course, my talking up of the possibility of goals could turn out to be a load of rubbish. If so, 1-0 Rangers is available at 7/1 with totesport, with 1-0 Celtic 15-2 at Skybet. However, over 3.5 goals is also worth a look, currently available at 10/3 with Extrabet. The same bookie also offers 5/2 on Scott McDonald to score anytime, following his goal in midweek and after scoring at Ibrox last season. For Rangers, Nacho Novo has been the scourge of Celtic in the past- he's available at 3/1 with Skybet to score anytime