Kris Boyd has admitted that a Rangers victory over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday would be a major surprise.
With memories still fresh of the 3-0 drubbing in the last Old Firm derby that effectively ended their Scottish Premiership title hopes, Rangers approach the Hampden Park showdown as clear underdogs.
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (11 December, 10:24am), Boyd highlighted the gulf between the two Glasgow sides, noting it would be an upset if Rangers were to lift the trophy.
“I wouldn’t get too carried away by the past week’s performances. I’ve got to say, if Rangers win the cup on Sunday it’d be a shock and it shouldn’t be like that,” Boyd said.
“Rangers should be going there and it should be an even game under normal circumstances. But it’d be an upset and shock if they win. That’s how far Celtic are away from Rangers right now.
“At the same time, you never know what’s going to happen. It’ll relieve the pressure if they win, but if they don’t it’ll only increase it ahead of the CEO starting on Monday.”
Rangers Enter as Underdogs
The outcome of Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final is poised to define Philippe Clement’s first season in charge of Rangers.
Currently 11 points behind Celtic in the SPFL, Rangers’ league title hopes are already extinguished, making this clash their best chance of salvaging a poor domestic campaign.
Winning the cup could provide a much-needed boost and signal progress under Clement’s leadership.
Before the final, however, Rangers face Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday (12 December), where a strong performance could provide momentum heading into Hampden.
For Clement, a win over Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic—led by their former manager—would offer a crucial morale boost.
Defeats in both matches, though, could spell the end of Clement’s tenure at Ibrox, with the pressure on both the manager and the newly appointed CEO, Patrick Stewart, mounting.
Stewart, installed on 24 November, will closely watch these pivotal fixtures, as fans yearn for signs of change in Glasgow.
This week is shaping up to be a defining moment for Rangers and their manager. Victory could reignite belief, but failure may prompt calls for yet another reset.
