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Rangers revival is only feeding Cup Final delusions as Hotline predicts a Celtic slapdown is in the post
Celtic head to Croatia for their next Champions League assignment against Dinamo Zagreb having extended their Premiership lead.
Brendan Rodgers’ team defeated Hibs to move nine points clear in the title race with a game in hand. However, Celtic fans are wary ahead of their team’s trip to the Balkans after some sloppy defending was not punished by David Gray’s side. Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “A very average performance from Celtic, but it was still good enough to win comfortably in the end, showing nowhere near our best. We’re still miles in front of anyone in Scotland, but with two big games coming this week, our defending must improve big time because Hibs cut us open far too easily and far too often, proving how big a player Cameron Carter-Vickers is to us.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, added: “Once again Celtic’s frailties in defence were shown up when Carter-Vickers is absent and, but for the brilliance of Kasper Schmeichel, dropped points would have been on the agenda."
READ MORE: Luke McCowan needs Celtic 7 year Champions League itch scratched by doing 'hardest possible thing'
Steve McSherry, Uddingston, is worried there could be a cup shock on the cards. He emailed: "After a shaky defensive performance by Celtic against a Hibs, they will have to sharpen up for next weekend or a major upset could be on the cards.
“Also I was rather taken back by Arne Engels’ rather muted response on opening the scoring. His lack of celebration seemed to me he possibly is disappointed at his lack of game-time and I certainly hope that is not the case.”
Celtic are hunting a rare away success in Europe and Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “There are many deluded Celtic fans on this Hotline. Celtic are notorious for not being able to qualify from play-offs for the Champions League, had it not been for Rangers' much better European record, Celtic would have had to endure another play-off. When Celtic can get back to making a better impact on the Scottish coefficient than Rangers, then the supporters have the real bragging rights.”
Rangers continued their improved run of form with a success over Ross County in Dingwall. Alan Flett is in confident mood after recent results: A good week for us and suddenly we look in good shape. Hagi and Danilo have made a difference and there's plenty more to come from Igamane. I'm sick fed up of playing second fiddle to a bang average Celtic side and, the cup is there for the taking next Sunday. Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, said: “Rangers fans now realising that the team is in a state of transition and hopefully a win next Sunday will be the perfect tonic, then some reinforcements come January.”
Andrew was referring to the Premier Sports Cup Final against Celtic, but Paul Price, Glasgow, retorted: “Been a while since I have posted anything. What a laugh I have had. Rangers supporters must be drinking something I haven’t tried yet. They actually believe that the mighty Celtic will get turned over next Sunday by a top-six team. Dream on.”
Elsewhere, Aberdeen dropping points at home to St Johnstone has raised the comments around the Reds. Hugh McKirdy said: “People went overboard when we were on a winning run. We got the wee breaks at the time, albeit playing well also. We need more quality throughout the squad. Up front in particular.”
Frank Jackson was less sympathetic as regards the Dons as he said: “See the bubble has burst. Will be lucky to finish in the top six Mighty Jambos on the march again with the team from Leith in their proper place. The proper order will soon be restored.”
Davy Cook, Edinburgh, also had a comment about Hearts and the return to scoring form of two-goal Lawrence Shankland, He said: “Good to see Lawrence with his shooting boots back on. Hopefully just in time for Boxing Day when natural order will be in place in the city once again.”
Meanwhile, John Scott, Port Glasgow, had a point to make about the SPFL charges against Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell over pyros. He said: “Let me start by saying I am absolutely against the use of flares at football grounds. I am surprised, however, that the authorities are accusing three clubs of not doing enough to stop them at a game the authorities had responsibility for. To the clubs, it was a neutral venue that they have no control of.”
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