The League Cup final in December promises to be a tantalising showdown as Celtic and Rangers prepare to go head-to-head.
Sponsored by Premier Sports, the clash at Hampden Park has fans eagerly anticipating a fierce contest between the Glasgow giants.
Celtic secured their place in the final with a commanding win over Aberdeen on Saturday, with Jimmy Thelin’s men overwhelmed by an intense display from Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Rangers followed suit, edging past Motherwell in a tense semi-final at Hampden, where Motherwell’s spirited first-half performance briefly threatened an upset.
Assessing the likely victor, former Rangers striker Billy Dodds offered his thoughts, though with a touch of regret. Speaking on BBC Sportsound during the Motherwell-Rangers semi-final coverage, Dodds admitted that Celtic seem the team to beat in this particular fixture.
“You would have to say that,” Dodds stated.
“I mean, Celtic were incredible yesterday. Aberdeen, remember, were for half an hour. Mitov never had a save to make and suddenly loses three in 11 minutes.
“So they were sensational. Rangers, it’s all about getting through and getting a shot at them. I think that’s where Rangers are at and hopefully they can get their performance levels up and give Celtic a game.”
Dodds continued: “But you would have to say if you’re asking me who are the favourites, of course it’s Celtic.”
Celtic’s run to the final hasn’t been straightforward, and with a packed fixture list ahead, they’ll be put to the test.
Tomorrow night, they face RB Leipzig in the Champions League, followed by a clash with Club Brugge on 27th November, and Dinamo Zagreb to round off their European group stage before the League Cup final.
On the domestic front, Celtic’s schedule includes Scottish Premiership matches against Kilmarnock on 10th November, then Hearts, Ross County, Aberdeen, and Hibs in quick succession through early December.
This hectic line-up will stretch Rodgers’ squad to its limits, as the Hoops boss hopes to secure his first piece of silverware since returning to the club.
Rodgers, who missed out on the League Cup last season, will be eager to lift the trophy and secure an early statement win over Rangers, adding an extra layer of intensity to this high-stakes clash.