Davis the key for Rangers Sunday success
Midfielder the main man.
Oh well, we had better start building up to this one.
The biggest game since these two sides last clashed and until they meet again post-split, you all know the script for this Sunday.
Celtic really need to win to reignite their title push.
If they fail to do so, it is not as if the campaign is officially dead but a big bit of hope and optimism may slide away from the green and white faithful. Celtic can take hope from two good performances against Rangers this season.
Rangers will take strength from 4 points out of 6 from their rivals.
If any player underperforms, their team could be at risk. After all, you are only as strong as your weakest link. However, when it comes to influencing the flow and important matters, you are looking to a handful of players.
It is inevitable that goalscorers will be mentioned, goals win games. This means Kris Boyd and Robbie Keane will be at the front of people’s minds on Sunday. Can Boyd improve his dismal stats against Celtic or can Keano outgun him on his first showing?
We are going to look a bit deeper though for where we think the game might hinge.
Yes, for Rangers, the key man is likely to be Steven Davis. If he plays well, Rangers play well. Davis was quiet at Celtic Park in New Year but still appeared to be the player that got the game moving for Rangers.
Think back to last seasons post split match where Davis ran unchecked from midfield to slide home the winner at Ibrox. The Northern Irish international has been on a good goalscoring run of late but it is his assists that make him the tip to be the star man for the home side.
You would not be shocked to see a sturdy Rangers team on Sunday. Four centre halfs across the back is common fare but even though Rangers best performances have came through wing play, four central midfielders may be lined up in order to stifle Celtic.
Avoiding defeat is acceptable to Rangers but Davis can still come to the fore and make a goal, even with a compact and competitive midfield around him.
The SPL website states that Davis has 11 assists so far, three more than the nearest player, Celtic’s Aiden McGeady. With Celtic set to play a centre half duo of a young age or returning from injury, the pressing and passing of Davis could get the ball beyond the hoops backline.
This is where the running of Miller and the poaching of Boyd could reap rewards for the home side.
These clashes are not games for predictions but if Davis hits form, it could take something special from Celtic to turn the game in their favour.
Do you expect Rangers to take all three points?
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Cant Disagree been impressed by Steve Davis thought when he was know longer no.1 @ snooker he was finished!!!!!!!!!!!!
He might be a target for Scott Brown early on trying to impose himself on the game, after all two blue balls would be worth 10 points!
think it will be red ,black ,red then brown 13 points only if we beat st johnstone
Mentioned it on this site before, Davis will be a key player in this old firm scrap.
Hopefully his performance will leave Celtic needing snookers!
Keep the cheesy snooker puns coming!
I have loads of puns, so you’ll have to join the ‘cue’. I’m going to take a ‘break’ from them in the meantime. To ‘pot’ with it all. I’m not in the right ‘frame’ of mind for it.
Watch out Stelling, I’m after your countdown job.
Ah countdown, there’s a conundrum for your Billy!
If you get it BSW, put a word in for us with Rachel Riley.
If i get the job she shall be required to wear the slinkiest of dresses each and every day. (Especially that wee red number she wore before. Drool.) Let’s get her to referee future Celtic-Rangers games. No more arguments then! Mind you, slightly ‘dodgy’ surname surely?
WKS,
I certainly will put a word in for you, but she obviously prefers numbers!
Nothing like a good old football debate.
She can have my number, not a problem.
Yeah, the to and fro with the chat is quite decent – there is obviously never going to be any real agreement between both sets of fans but hopefully the banter will cary through until the weekend.
I am pretty sure we will agree to disagree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!