Michael Stewart names five players he says are ‘key’ to Celtic beating Rangers next month.
The international break has arrived, giving Celtic the opportunity to recuperate ahead of the crucial Glasgow Derby the following month.
When it comes to determining the title race, the Ibrox matchup will undoubtedly be crucial, thus Celtic will need to make sure all of its star players are healthy and available.
Either team’s victory will put them in the lead shortly before the break, and BBC analyst Michael Stewarthttp://sportupdates.co.uk has stated that he thinks Brendan Rodgers can travel to Ibrox and win if Celtic has five players available and healthy.
Regaining the main players is crucial for Celtic, and it has been for much of the season, according to Stewart [Scottish Football Podcast].
“Carter-Vickers returns and significantly improves their defense.Their midfield is greatly improved by McGregor and Hate in the middle of the pitch, and Maeda and Yogo must continue to perform as they did tonight.
If they continue to play at that level and are in top form, I could see them winning at Ibrox.
“Of course, Celtic Park is home to their next one. These are the games that have the potential to change things.
Four of the five players have scored at some stage in the last two seasons against the Ibrox club.
We are all familiar with Reo Hatate’s piledriver from Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Rangers in 2022, which sent them to the top of the table.
Carter-Vickers scored the game-winning goal in the 2-1 victory at Ibrox that same season, and Kyogo and Meada both contributed to the score in the 2-2 tie at New Year’s Eve in 2023.
Even just Kyogo recovering his shooting form at this point in the season is a significant boost for Brendan Rodgers, as the Japanese striker has scored in each of the last four Glasgow Derbies that Celtic have won in the league and Scottish Cup. [Transfermarkt]
With McGregor and Hatate at the core of the Celtic midfield, Philippe Clement’s team will be in for a lot of trouble, so fingers crossed that they will be fit for Ibrox.
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