Sport AdviserHelp In Prediction Of Sport Matches Results

Rangers v Celtic

Live on Sky Sports. Kick off Sunday 12.15pm

El Hadj Diouf.

There are few people on the planet who could unite either side of Glasgow’s footballing divide. But this time last week fans of both Celtic and Rangers would have shared a similarly scathing view of the controversial Senegalese international. But fast-forward 48 hours and the Rangers fans were preparing to find a little bit of room in their in their hearts for the odious striker when he emerged as a surprise target as the transfer window reached a close.

Such are the dire financial straits that the ‘Gers find themselves in that even Walter Smith sounded apologetic in attempting to explain his latest transfer ‘coup’. The truth is that no-one else wanted him and Diouf’s arrival in the Scottish game had been about as welcome as Andy Gray an Richard Keys turning up at the annual Woman’s Institute jamboree.

And so emerged our first favourite to get booked in tomorrow’s Scottish Cup clash with Ladbrokes going 7/1. However, I reckon the smart money could be one of the Celtic midfielder to dish out their own personal welcome to Diouf. Certain starters are Scott Brown and Beram Kayal, both of whom like a tackle and are not shy of letting their opposition know they’re in a game. Neither are particularly subtle either and for me represent just about the best bet in a game that’s too close to call. Brown can be backed at 9/1 , whilst Kayal is 8/1 . A split bet may be the way to go but if pushed I’d go with the Israeli to find his way into the ref’s notebook first.

As for the game itself, the form book points to a Celtic win. Since the turn of the year the Hoops have started to look like serious championship contenders, however a place in the quarter-final draw tomorrow would require them to go to Ibrox and win twice on the trot – never easy. As for Rangers they’ll be without the departed Kenny Miller and the injured Lee McCulloch. The new look front-line of Healy and Diouf will pose a different threat but they’ll need to hit the ground running as neither have been stand-out successes in recent seasons.

With home advantage Rangers are favourites at a best 8/5 on the exchanges with Betfair . To make it back-to-back Ibrox victories Celtic are a tasty 2/1 but I favour the draw at 12/5 . It’s a result that could see these two match up 7 times this season and one that Ally McCoist openly admits is one they’d rather avoid due to a pile up fixtures in the coming weeks. But he rather still be in the competition come 2pm tomorrow afternoon.

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