Celtic and Rangers fans look ahead to League Cup final and Ange Postecoglou v Michael Beale rivalry
Celtic and Rangers will face off at Hampden this Sunday in the Viaplay Cup final.
There is a nine-point gap between the two sides at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, but they turn their attention to cup duties this weekend.
Much has been made of the relationship between Celts boss Ange Postecoglou and Light Blues gaffer Michael Beale, with the two posing for an awkward photoshoot during the build-up.
Beale’s comment describing his opposite number as “lucky” was not well received by the Parkhead faithful.
Regardless of however the managers may be feeling, both sets of fans are in confident mood ahead of the next instalment in the famous rivalry.
Stevie Clifford, from the Rangers blog and official club media partner Four Lads Had A Dream, said: “Celtic are a very good side, they’re obviously top of the league for a reason, they’re on an incredible run this season.
“But I also think that Rangers are coming into form at a really good time.”
As for the green and white half of the city, Hamish Carton, from 67 Hail Hail, thinks the match is too tough to call.
“It’s going to be a 50-50 match, to be honest,” Carton said.
“Celtic are probably slight favourites, there’s not going to be much in the game.”
The Hoops supporter said that a win for Postecoglou’s side could have an impact on not only their fortunes going forward but also that of their greatest foes.
He added: “It would really give us that extra confidence boost and probably do the opposite for Rangers if we beat them, so that’s why I think it’s such an important one.
“I think secretly Ange will want to get one over on him [Beale].
“He would never admit it publicly, but you only had to look at that press conference the other day, I think they genuinely don’t like each other.”
As for the Gers manager, Clifford believes Beale will only be focusing on bringing the trophy back to Govan for the first time since 2011.
He said: “It’s always important he tries to win every game as Rangers manager, it’s important that he beats Celtic and Sunday is no different.
“[A Rangers win] would be a shot across the brow of Celtic that Rangers need to move the pendulum back towards Ibrox once again.”
The blockbuster clash takes place on February 26 with a 3pm kick-off.
