The Premier Sports/Scottish League Cup returns this weekend and today, I’ll be examining what’s set to be an exhilarating weekend at Hampden.
There are multiple storylines that will be written. Will Ange Postecoglou reach his maiden final as Celtic boss? Will St. Johnstone continue their exemplary cup form? Will Rangers take make only their second final since 2016 and their first under their new manager, whoever it may be? Could Jack Ross’ men ‘Hibs it’ on the big stage once again or overcome a massive hurdle to make their second cup final in two years?
If you’re not familiar with the layout for this series, I look at each match and pick a player to watch as well as make a score prediction for the game. In addition to this, I’ll also have a look at each team going into tie.
We’ll look at the games in chronological order thus the Celtic v St. Johnstone match will be previewed first.
Celtic v St. Johnstone
The two sides have already met this season when Celtic ran out two nil winners in Glasgow’s East End in the Scottish Premiership. The last time St. Johnstone beat Celtic came in that competition when a Graham Cummins goal gave them all three points at McDiarmid Park in 2016. Despite Celtic overpowering St. Johnstone in recent times, I believe Saturday night’s tie will be an evenly matched one that the Hoops might just edge due to their superior firepower up top.
Ange Postecoglou got his side to this stage of the tournament by disposing of both Hearts and Raith Rovers respectively. The Jambos were defeated by three goals to two at Celtic Park and John McGlynn’s Raith Rovers suffered a three nil loss in the quarter finals.
Currently, Celtic are unbeaten in eight games in all competitions; a goalless draw against Livingston the only of these matches that wasn’t a win. The Hoops have primarily been exhilarating going forward, averaging 2.25 goals per game in this aforementioned run.
Returning from the International break, Celtic will have a palatial opportunity to take the next big step and reach their first final under Ange Postecoglou. However, with the Australian in charge, Celtic have traditionally struggled against cogent defensive sides which could be a cause for concern against a St. Johnstone team who have impartially solidified at the back in recent weeks.
The prospect of keeping their admirable cup form going will be a huge propulsion for St. Johnstone as they face off against Celtic.
In their cup double last season, Callum Davidson’s men faced the Old Firm just once, when they knocked out Rangers, at Ibrox, on penalties. This will be the first time they face Celtic in cup competition since the Hoops disposed of the Saints in the sixth round of the Scottish Cup in 2020, just before Covid struck. It was a hard slog for Celtic that day in Perth and that is just what Callum Davidson will aspire it to be on Saturday.
St. Johnstone will undoubtedly line up in their typical 3-4-3 which will convert to having five at the back in defence with the wing backs and left and right centre backs doubling up on Celtic’s wide men. They will aim to make it hard for the Hoops’ key players like Jota and Kyogo to be difference makers. Zander Clark will have to be on top form nonetheless as will the men at the top end of the park.
Although statistically, Celtic have the soundest defence in the league, there are still some frailties that exist. Exposing these will be central to any St. Johnstone progression.
One to Watch - Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo Furuhashi has been a vital player for Celtic this season, scoring thirteen goals and assisting one. The Japanese forward has already netted in this competition when he scored against Hearts in the last sixteen. It will be the first time Kyogo has played at Hampden for Celtic and I believe the twenty six year old will thrive on the big stage; it wouldn’t be astounding to see Kyogo’s name on the score sheet.
Score prediction: Celtic 2-0 St. Johnstone
Rangers v Hibernian
If you are looking for goals on semi final weekend, this could be the game to watch. Rangers and Hibernian haven’t been the most convincing defensive sides this campaign and I believe there will plenty of goals in this one.
At the time of writing, Rangers are still without a permanent manager. However, it appears a deal to land Dutchman Giovanni van Bronckhorst is edging ever closer. Whether or not he will be in the dugout for the match on Sunday remains unclear. Bear in mind though his appointment is not official and David McCallum, Brian Gilmour, Jermain Defoe and Colin Stewart are currently leading the side.
Despite Rangers not being at their best this season, they have begun to find their feet going forward in recent weeks. The Gers have scored ten league goals in their last two matches in the competition. The return of Ryan Kent along with the emergence of Fashion Sakala have been big boosts in this department.
As alluded to previously, Rangers’ defence has been somewhat of an achilles heel for them this season. Filip Helander remains out through injury which means Leon Balogun has started the last eleven games. This uncertainty at the back will be something Hibs will look to exploit but the same goes the other way; the likes of Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos will undoubtedly be a thorn in the side of whoever is playing at the heart of the Hibs defence.
You feel it would be extremely beneficial if Rangers were able to get a new boss in before their match with Hibs. This is something the hierarchy at the club will undoubtedly be aiming to do and if so, as is the case when a new manager is appointed at every club, the players will be giving their all to impress the new man in charge which could spur the Ibrox side on to victory.
Jack Ross will be keen to right the wrongs of his side’s recent results; they’ve lost their last four games to Rangers, Dundee United, Aberdeen and Celtic respectively.
Hibs played at Hampden three times last season and will look to make it twice in this campaign by defeating Rangers to make the final of the League Cup.
A key concern from the Hibernian point of view however is the Covid situation. There were several players that either tested positive or were ruled out as close contacts last month. This means it will be three and a half weeks since Hibs last played a game before they kick off at Hampden on Sunday.
Despite their recent form, Hibs certainly caused Rangers problems when they faced them at Ibrox in October. The Gers walked away with a two-one victory that day although Hibs did go down to ten men half an hour in. The Leith side will surely aim to be even more troublesome for Rangers on Sunday.
Jack Ross and Hibs will look to take advantage of any unsettlement in the Rangers camp. Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet will prove menaces for the Rangers defence and possibly score a goal or two. However, Hibs’ defensive weaknesses lately could eventually cost them.
One to Watch - Ryan Kent
In his last two games since returning from injury, Ryan Kent has one goal and one assist. The Englishman set up Ianis Hagi in Denmark with a lovely reverse pass and scored a goal of the season contender against Ross County in the league. Kent brings width, flair and energy to Rangers as well as a goal threat. The twenty five year old is a key player for the Ibrox side and will in all likelihood remain so under the next manager. Kent is certainly one to keep an eye on on Sunday.
Score prediction: Rangers 3-2 Hibernian
All things considered, Celtic, St. Johnstone, Rangers and Hibernian will play out an enthralling weekend of cup football at Hampden.
There will be big moments, controversy and goals. In addition, there could be the drama of extra time and penalties should ninety minutes not suffice to separate the sides in any of the matches.
Who will be the big winners and losers? Leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @Josh_Footblog.
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