Celtic and Rangers, two of Scotland’s most storied football clubs, are set to face each other in a highly anticipated match at Ibrox on Sunday, May 4th, kicking off at 12:00 pm. We’re looking forward to a barnburner of a contest! Celtic has indeed ruled the table this season — they sit atop the Scottish premiership standings with a seemingly insurmountable 17-point lead over their nearest rivals.
As the calendar approaches its conclusion, Celtic has been the very definition of consistent. In fact, they’ve won 13 out of the last 14 available trophies, including a remarkable four league titles in a row. They have proved their superiority on the road and on the pitch. This season, they are firing on all cylinders in European competitions. Celtic has an extraordinary goal difference, showing the damage they can do offensively. Regardless, they are hell-bent on continuing their superb streak against the Rangers.
Rangers have gotten the best of their matchups this season, winning two of three meetings. So much so, that their success is completely juxtaposed to their spot in the league table. Barry Ferguson is to take charge of the team until the end of the season. Under his stewardship, Rangers will look to build off their historic success and challenge Celtic’s hegemony at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
In a notable departure from tradition, Celtic will not be receiving a guard of honour. This custom usually celebrates a football club that has just won the league championship. Ferguson commented on the absence of this gesture, saying, “It’s never happened in the past and there’s been this huge clamour about it.” He added that for he and his staff, the distraction tends to be the event itself, and keeping the attention focused on the game.
Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, emphasized the emotional weight of this rivalry, stating, “I respect up here, the rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is a very emotional rivalry.” He’s aware of the importance of these contests and what they represent to fans from every corner of the world.
Rodgers highlighted the importance of pride in such encounters, saying, “We’ve proved our point over the course of the season in terms of winning the title, how we’ve played, the goals scored, the goal difference, our progress in Europe, but these are games where it’s about pride and the pride of us as a team.” His sentiments reflect an understanding that regardless of past performances, every match against Rangers is crucial.
Rangers fans will be hungry to propel their team forward as they look to arrest Celtic’s recent stronghold. Ferguson reiterated the weight of expectation surrounding this fixture: “Like in any Celtic Rangers game, no matter what you’ve done in the past, you always want to win these games.” That enthusiasm is palpable among fans and players alike. From the looks of it, they will be well prepared for what is sure to be a heated showdown on the field.
Sky Sports will show the match live—this match of this great rivals. Now supporters from across North America and beyond can be a part of one of football’s fiercest derby matches! The one thing that Celtic supporters will do is replicate increased intensity in Ibrox. This game is already known for its emotionally charged atmosphere, it already buzzes with an intense energy!
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