Celtic vs Rangers: Kris Boyd Previews the First Old Firm Clash of the Season

Old Firm Clash: Celtic vs Rangers Preview

The excitement is palpable as the first Old Firm clash of the season approaches. Celtic has a golden opportunity to extend their lead over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, potentially moving five points clear after just four matches. This much-anticipated encounter will take place at Parkhead on Sunday with live coverage on Sky Sports, kicking off at 12.30pm.

Celtic's Strong Start

Celtic has made an impressive start to their title defense, displaying strong performances both in the league and their upcoming Champions League fixtures. With the backing of their loyal fans and a robust squad, they head into this match as the firm favorites. Manager Brendan Rodgers aims to solidify his team's dominance in these confrontations, a task he is well-acquainted with.

Rangers Seeking Redemption

On the flip side, Rangers have encountered hurdles early in the season, having dropped points and missing out on a Champions League spot. Under the leadership of Philippe Clement, the team seeks to turn their fortunes around after a challenging start. In recent analyses, football pundit Kris Boyd has highlighted Rangers' struggles, especially in head-to-head matchups against Celtic.

Tactical Considerations for Rangers

To achieve a positive result against Celtic, Boyd emphasized that Rangers must prioritize frustrating their opponents. Engaging in a direct, open contest at Celtic's home ground may spell disaster. He advises that adopting a more strategic approach to disrupt Celtic's flow could yield results.

Key Players to Watch

Celtic boasts an array of talented players including Adam Idah and Kyogo, both of whom have been influential in attack. Midfield stalwarts like Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate have also been crucial to their early-season success. Conversely, Rangers will rely on their key performers to rise to the occasion and possibly create a surprise against their formidable rivals.

The Stakes of the Match

A loss for Rangers could see them trailing by five points, a gap that would raise alarms among the fan base concerned about the team's direction after various struggles, including last season's performances and recent player departures.

Final Thoughts

The Old Firm derby is unlike any other match in Scottish football, filled with passion, rivalry, and unpredictability. While Celtic holds the upper hand going into this clash, the very nature of these encounters often defies expectations. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if Rangers can turn their fortunes and leave with valuable points.

Where to Watch

Don’t miss the action! You can stream the Old Firm match along with other exciting games on Sky Sports. For live coverage, subscriptions are available via NOW with options for monthly or daily memberships.