The large story
Twenty-two years since Celtic and Rangers final contested the Scottish Cup Closing, the Previous Agency rivals meet once more at Hampden Park – and if this encounter can come near the drama of that 2002 encounter, the normal finish to the Scottish season may show a basic.
Celtic twice took the lead – together with John Hartson’s opener – in 2002. Rangers required two minutes to equalise on the primary event and 19 on the second, then received the sport when Peter Lovenkrands’ second purpose settled the showdown within the ninetieth minute.
Probably the most humdrum of wins would notably swimsuit Rangers proper now after a humbling marketing campaign towards their arch-rivals, amassing a degree from the 4 video games between the dominant groups within the Scottish Premiership.
Prepared for the Closing.#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/SA288pHxf3
— Scottish Fuel Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) Might 24, 2024
Rangers had been prime of the league desk on the finish of February however had a comparatively dismal run-in, beginning with a 2-1 dwelling defeat to Motherwell as a part of a stoop comprising 4 wins in 10 matches.
In a kind of video games, they conceded inside seconds to Celtic and fell 2-0 behind by the break at Ibrox. They proceeded to haul themselves stage within the 86th minute, conceded once more a minute later and secured a 3-3 draw within the 93rd minute of an epic second half.
That was the one sport of their closing 9 when Celtic didn’t take most factors, totally capitalising on Rangers’ rotten run to canter to the title by eight factors.
Look again at @CelticFC‘s path to tomorrow’s @scottishgas Males’s Scottish Cup Closing ⏪ 🏆#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/CSD45ZtLNq
— Scottish Fuel Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) Might 24, 2024
If Rangers discover little trigger for confidence on the idea of type, they’ll absolutely be totally versed in all the accepted adages in regards to the one-off unpredictability a closing brings, reminding themselves of that ding-dong draw and the truth that all of their defeats within the fixture they need to win most this season have been by a purpose.
Celtic have each motive to be brimming with perception and expectation. Supervisor Brendan Rodgers has received the Scottish Cup twice with them, whereas Rangers’ Philippe Clement continues to be in his first season in Scotland.
The Hoops have lifted the trophy in 4 of the final six seasons, though Rangers triumphed two seasons in the past, prevailing for the primary time since 2008/09.
That is @RangersFC‘s Street to the Closing ⏪ 🏆#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/tBBqvvdTa5
— Scottish Fuel Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) Might 24, 2024
Celtic v Rangers Scottish Cup closing kick-off time
This match will begin at 3pm BST on Saturday, Might 25 2024.
Celtic v Rangers staff information, lineups
Celtic’s solely minor harm concern at the beginning of the week was a shoulder harm suffered by Stephen Welsh towards St Mirren on Saturday, however the centre-back has returned to coaching.
Their invoice of fresh well being stands in sharp distinction to Rangers, who’re more likely to once more have gamers out in each space of the pitch as a part of an harm listing which has contributed to their poor outcomes.
⏪ The final Closing assembly between Saturday’s @scottishgas Males’s Scottish Cup finalists was a basic in 2002!
A late purpose from Peter Løvenkrands sealed the trophy in a 3-2 victory for @RangersFC over Celtic.#ScottishCuppic.twitter.com/SeAuKj2ffh
— Scottish Fuel Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) Might 22, 2024
Defenders John Souttar, Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic, wingers Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo and forwards Tom Lawrence and Danilo are among the many gamers more likely to miss out.
Clement has instructed that he could must take dangers on gamers who’re in removed from ultimate bodily situation. Defender Leon Balogun and midfielder Ryan Jack, nevertheless, have returned from accidents.
Celtic potential beginning XI (4-3-3): Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Forrest, Kyogo, Maeda
Rangers potential beginning XI (4-2-3-1): Butland; Tavernier, King, Davies, Yilmaz; Diomande, Raskin; McCausland, Cantwell, Silva; Dessers
Prediction
With one defeat since December 16, Celtic ought to have an excessive amount of once more for a Rangers facet whose underdog standing additionally displays their depleted squad.
Rodgers has been smart to warn towards complacency and it might not be a shock to see this sport determined by a purpose once more – simply because it was in last-gasp trend 22 years in the past.
