With the Champions League on pause, Celtic fans are turning their full attention to Sunday’s League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park.
The draw with Dinamo Zagreb in Europe has been analysed, but now the focus shifts to domestic silverware and the first major showdown of the season.
This final represents an opportunity for Celtic to lay down a marker under Brendan Rodgers, while Philippe Clement will be desperate to claim his first victory over his Glasgow rivals.
Rodgers’ side remain unbeaten in six Glasgow Derbies since his return last summer, heightening the pressure on Rangers to turn the tide.
Former Rangers striker Ross McCormack has shared his disbelief at the optimism some Ibrox fans have expressed about their chances.
Speaking on Superscoreboard, McCormack expressed frustration at their confidence.
“I think there is a bigger chance that they beat Spurs than they go and win the cup final, but it’s a one-off game the cup final,” said McCormack.
“I’ve never known so many Rangers fans going to an Old F-rm game in my life and be thinking they’re going to turn us over. It’s ridiculous, it doesn’t work like that.”
McCormack also made an interesting claim about Rangers’ Europa League clash with Tottenham, suggesting it could provide clues for Sunday’s approach.
“We’re talking about you don’t get anything given in the Champions League,” McCormack continued.
“It’s an Old F-rm game. Celtic have still got to turn up. If they don’t turn up, Rangers will beat them. Make no mistake about that.
“I expect Rangers probably to put on a better show against Tottenham tomorrow night than they will do in the cup final, unfortunately, for the Rangers fans on Sunday.”
The last time Rangers defeated Celtic was in a largely meaningless derby after Ange Postecoglou had already secured the league title.
Since then, Celtic have maintained dominance over their city rivals. While no Celtic fan will take Sunday’s final for granted, there is confidence among supporters that Rodgers can secure the trophy that slipped away last season.
Victory at Hampden would not only deliver early-season silverware but further cement Celtic’s supremacy over Rangers under Rodgers, a narrative that will only add to the tension heading into the latest instalment of this fierce rivalry.
