Rangers and Celtic today

Rangers V Gretna

The title looks like it could go down to the wire in Scotland and for a change it might make an exciting finish to the season
Both Rangers and Celtic are in action today and to put it mildly, neither team can possibly afford to drop points, especially at home and Rangers should have far too much for whipping boys Gretna at Ibrox today. The home side have scored 36 goals at home this season in 13 games and won 11 of those 13 games by 2 goals or more. They did play during the week and had a 1 – 1 draw in Greece to send them through to the next round of the UEFA Cup so confidence will be high.
Gretna have stormed up the leagues since being formed only a few short years ago. But in reality they look out of their dept in the top flight and are already planning for next year in the first division. They are nine points adrift at the bottom of the league and their squad is down to the bare bones as it is. With 33 goals concede away from home its virtually impossible to see taking anything from this game and in my opinion it will be damage limitation from the kick off.

Verdict
Rangers did have a tough midweek fixture but even at that should have far too much for Gretna on home soil. Even if they make lots of changes to the starting 11 as I fully expect their home record is tremendous and they should win this one comfortably

PICK
Rangers –2.25 ( 1.85 @ stan james) 6 points



St Mirren V Celtic

A vital game for the travelling side. Already trailing Rangers by 4 points and barring a miracle, Rangers will have another 3 points today so anything other than a win and Celtic may as well concede the title race now. Their champions league hopes were all but dashed midweek when they lost 3 – 2 at home to Barca in an entertaining game. However the sloppiness of the goals conceded will be an area of concern for Celtic and I fully expect Gordan Strachan to have worked on it and we should see a better defensive display today. Celtic have won 8 times on the road this year and need that strong form to continue today.
Scott Brown is back in as well as Hinkel and their presence is a boost for Strachan.
St Mirren have already taken a draw at Parkhead this year but that may have came down to over confidence from the home side. They have conceded 22 goals at home this year, a feat only bettered by Gretna. In fact they have only scored 12, another stat on which they are close to lowly Gretna so home form is not their strongest point. Recent results have improved though and they are on the back of a three game unbeaten run but it will severely test them to keep that run going.

Verdict
I feel im rambling on a bit about Celtic but a win today is a must. There can be no room for complacency and the players know it. Im expecting a much better defensive display and I don’t think that if they take a 1 – 0 lead that they will be able to rest on it. I think they will push for a second to make the game safe and should cover the handicap. Maybe –1.25 just in case

PICK
Celtic –1.25 ( 1.74 @ mansion) 6 points