Kieran Tierney Celtic FC
Celtic FC

Celtic FC take on Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and according to ex-Hoops man Paul Lambert, Ange Postecoglou’s side have an upper hand for Sunday’s clash.

Celtic FC have not been beaten by their arch-rivals in this calendar year and in the two meetings, the Bhoys have scored five goals and have conceded only one.

Lampert believes these two outings will be playing on Rangers’ mind on Sunday plus an assortment of injuries should see Celtic progress to the next round.

He said in an interview to 67 Hail Hail: “I think Celtic have got the psychological edge over them, having just turned them over. In semi-finals, it’s on the day. It’s on that day that the best team will get through. I thought the Old Firm game at Ibrox Celtic were definitely the better side.

“Kyogo Furuhashi being back is a major, major plus for Celtic. It’s a massive bonus for them. Alfredo Morelos being out for Rangers is a major blow. They don’t have the same team without that lad.

“Celtic can score from everywhere, I think that’s the greatest thing. The two wide lads can score, the front guys can score, so Celtic are in a really good position to win it.

“The only thing I’d say is it’s an Old Firm game and anything can happen. You need a strong referee as well. But yeah, I’ll go for Celtic to get through it.”

Rangers FC go into this Old Firm Derby at the back of a superb win over Braga in the Europa League quarter-final and since they played this 120 minutes match on Thursday, fatigue will also be an issue(in addition to all the things which Lambert has mentioned).

Van Bronckhorst should ideally rest several of his players from that game but given the gravitas of the Old Firm Derby, the manager cannot afford to use a second-fiddle side on Sunday.

Celtic played their last match on the 6th of March so they have gotten a lot of time to recover plus they won their previous six matches across all competitions. The Gers will obviously be buoyant after their European win but Celtic FC are a very well-rounded side so beating them will not be easy.

Read: Rangers FC receive a massive injury boost before they face Celtic FC.

Read: Here’s how Rangers FC could line up vs the Bhoys in the Scottish Cup.