What a difference two months can make in football.
In the lead up to October’s Ibrox encounter between Rangers and Celtic, neither side was particularly looking forward to the clash. Both were in poor form, struggling for goals, and the looming crunch between the pair was coming at an awkward time.
Kris Boyd was spending his time on the Rangers bench, whilst fans were patiently waiting for the return of Kyle Lafferty. In addition, questions were being asked about Walter Smith’s future as manager.
While in the East end, Celtic Park had gone from a fortress to nothing more than a playground; and Tony Mowbray appeared to have little idea who his front pairing should be.
Celtic though had an advantage over their Old Firm rivals as they crossed the city for the first derby of the season. Victory would have put them seven points clear of their foes.
That victory never came. Despite the bulk of possession, two early Kenny Miller goals were enough for Rangers to secure a huge three points against their foes.
Only two months later, and things are looking decidedly different at both clubs.
Kris Boyd has gone from the bench to breaking records. Five goals he scored on Wednesday, as his side demolished once title contenders Dundee United 7-1, took his season tally to 19 and his Rangers total up to 160 – replacing a certain Celtic legend Henrick Larsson at the top of the all-time Scottish Premier League scoring charts.
Kyle Lafferty has gone from a man the supporters couldn’t wait to see back in the side; to one fans are desperate to see hauled off on Wednesday. Even within a crushing defeat of the opposition, there is still time for criticism in life at the Old Firm.
And as for Walter Smith; he is once again the godfather of Rangers. Since the light blues inevitably fell to defeat to Aberdeen – one that all could see was coming sooner or later – Smith’s side have bounced back with a vengeance.
A “tough December,” as it was labeled. It comprised of away games to then-creditable title rivals Dundee United and Hibernian, two home matches to a Motherwell side punching above their weight, and another scrap with United. Tough ask many would say.
Their response was electrifying. Twenty goals for, three conceded. If that is a tough month. Wait till they get a run of 'easier' games.
Over in Kerrydale Street, you get the feeling Celtic are on the verge of a crisis.
The consistency isn’t quite there. They’ve either dominated games by holding on, or shown an inability to finish sides off cleanly as in the case of their loss to Hearts.
Rather than heading into this game looking to extend the lead to seven points, they are fighting to stop themselves falling a massive ten behind Rangers, albeit with a game in hand, and, a win over the ‘Gers could see that gap bridged potentially to just one point.
That’s how significant this game could be for the Hoops.
There is no doubt Rangers are the side in better form, but they head to Glasgow’s East end minus a clutch of vital players.
Kenny Miller was red carded on Wednesday, and having lost his appeal sits this one out. Madjid Bougherra – unless he gets last minute reprieve from Algeria – is heading to the African Nations cup. Amongst the injuries Rangers already have, these two would have almost certainly started at Parkhead.
Rangers are riding their best form in years, but suddenly they look weakened. Celtic, at home, in front of their support, fired up and ready for what is undoubtedly their biggest game of the season, suddenly look somewhat formidable.
All of a sudden there’s a doubt about the outcome of what promises to be a Ne’erday clash to remember.
NE’ERDAY CLASSICS
Celtic 2-0 Rangers, January 2, 1998
Rangers headed to Parkhead four points clear, and seemingly marching towards an unprecedented ten league titles in a row. Much like now, the Old Firm had a team from Edinburgh to contend with at the top end of the table, and in fact Celtic were third behind both Hearts and Rangers as they took to the field.
Before this, the Hoops had not tasted victory over their Glasgow foes for eleven games and three years.
Quite simply, this was Celtic’s most important win over their rivals in the 90’s. Craig Burley and Paul Lambert both netted in a dominant display, closing the gap at the top to one point, and Dutch boss Wim Jansen went on to lead his side to the title on the final day, denying Rangers a tenth title in a row.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers, January 1, 1992
Remarkable that three men who will be in the opposing dug-outs on Sunday were all involved in this game. Tony Mowbray and Ally McCoist both played, and scored. Walter Smith 18 years ago was in the same position as he is now – Rangers manager.
Current Rangers assistant McCoist put the visitors ahead just before half-time, before Mowbray bulleted a header past Andy Goram to make it 1-1. Mark Hateley converted a penalty before John Brown added a late third, and Rangers romped to victory at the old Parkhead.
Rangers went on to win the league, finishing nine points above second place Hearts, with Celtic having to contend with third place.
FORM GUIDE
Celtic
Dec 26 Celtic 2-0 Hamilton Academical
Dec 20 Heart of Midlothian 2-1 Celtic
Dec 17 Rapid Vienna 3-3 Celtic (Europa League)
Dec 12 Motherwell 2-3 Celtic
Dec 05 Celtic 3-0 Aberdeen
Rangers
Dec 30 Rangers 7-1 Dundee United
Dec 27 Hibernian 1-4 Rangers
Dec 19 Rangers 6-1 Motherwell
Dec 15 Dundee United 0-3 Rangers
Dec 12 Rangers 3-0 St Johnstone
TEAM NEWS
Celtic
At new year its out with the old and in with the new. For Celtic, defender Gary Caldwell returns from suspension but it is expected this will be his final bow in the hoops, with the Scotland international widely expected to link up again with ex-Hoops manager Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough.
On the other hand, new signing Ki Sung-Yueng is available for selection following his move from FC Seoul but may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Last Starting XI(v Hamilton): Boruc, Hinkel, McManus, Fox, Loovens, N’Guemo, Crosas, Robson, McGeady, McDonald, Samaras.
Rangers
Rangers have Kenny Miller out through suspension and Madjid Bougherra has linked up with the Algerian squad ahead of the African Nations Cup.
Nacho Novo and Sasa Papac are doubts and could join Kevin Thomson, DaMarcus Beasley and Steven Naismith on the sidelines.
Last Starting XI(v Dundee United): McGregor, Weir, Papac, Broadfoot, Bougherra, McCulloch, Davis, Boyd, Novo, Miller, Lafferty.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Celtic – Barry Robson
Fantastic at Dundee United - he has had to accept not being the main man since his move to Celtic. However, on occasion, the Robson of old has emerged and, with Shunsuke Nakamura now gone, he remains Celtic’s best set-piece threat.
With his old manager Craig Levein appointed as Scotland manager, the chances of that coach-player pairing being reunited at international level is very real. And with Robson also struggling to hold a place in the Scotland side, now is the time for a run of form for Celtic if he is start realising his potential.
Rangers – Kris Boyd
All eyes will be on the goal machine. A huge week for him already, having announced he’s ready to return to the Scotland squad, then putting five past Dundee United to top the all-time SPL scoring charts.
Despite his impressive goal tally, there is a general consensus that he cannot score against the top sides, given a poor Old Firm and Champions League record. With critics still lining up to give reasons as to why he shouldn’t be back in the Scotland squad, there are many waiting (and hoping) for another scoreless 90 minutes against Celtic.
But for all his goals on Wednesday, and for his 160 goal SPL tally, Boyd is once again under the microscope for a match against Celtic. Can he score in the big one? Or is he simply someone to bring on to help punish the smaller sides?
PREDICTION
Rangers are the side on form; however they are weakened in contrast to the side which demolished Dundee United by virtue of Kenny Miller and Madjid Bougherra – two of their best players this season – missing out.
Had they been available, and the Boyd/Miller partnership been allowed to continue, then even as the away side they would have been favorites.
Without them, suddenly Celtic – unbeaten at home for some time and not exactly short of confidence – will gain a sudden mental edge and feel they are the favourites.
Can the confidence the rest of the ‘Gers side have collected from recent results see them through? Or will Celtic, in front of their home support, raise their game and produce a similar result Rangers managed at home in October?
Old Firm games tend to be good. Ne’erday clashes tend to be special. Get set for a titanic battle, with home advantage just edging a thriller in advantage of the Bhoys.
After a 32-year absence from the world stage, Australia made a strong statement at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, reaching the knockout stage where it took a last-minute goal from eventual champions Italy to eliminate Guus Hiddink's team. The squad, now under another Dutchman, Pim Verbeek, features many of the Germany 2006 personnel and is a battle-hardened and experienced group.
