It’s a blockbuster showdown on the south side of the River Clyde – but who will come out on top?
Ibrox is ready for another blockbuster
Keith Jackson
The only safe prediction for this weekend is that all manner of chaos is about to unfold. Last week’s league clash could hardly be described as a damp squib. It was anything but. However, it passed by relatively smoothly. And that can’t happen twice in the space of eight days. So expect fireworks with the potential for this tie to go all the way to extra time and penalties. Celtic have been salvaging results lately purely on their embedded killer instincts. That could be enough to see them through to the semis.
Rangers 3 Celtic 3 (AET) Celtic win on penalties
Michael Gannon
It’s going to be a fascinating tactical battle on the back of last week’s Jekyll and Hyde displays from both. Danny Rohl knows he can get joy going long and then flooding forward to win second balls, but he’s also aware his team can’t maintain it for 90 minutes. Celtic might need to dig in to survive and then take advantage.It could be a long afternoon.
Rangers 1-2 Celtic (AET)
Scott McDermott
If Rangers can replicate the power, tempo and intensity they showed for 50 minutes last weekend – then manage the game better – they could have too much for Celtic at home. The Scottish Cup will be vital for Danny Rohl if the title proves to be beyond them – and he can get his first victory over Martin O’Neill at the third attempt. Rangers’ twin strikeforce of Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi will be crucial again. Also, with Connor Barron returning from injury he could have an impact – even from the bench – in ensuring the Hoops don’t gain control of the midfield like last Sunday.
Rangers 2-1 Celtic
Fraser Wilson
This is even tighter to call than last week and all the same strengths and weaknesses remain. Another ferocious encounter will charge into an extra 30 minutes and then it’s down to who can produce a bit of quality. Toss of a coin stuff but I feel the momentum is with Celtic.
Rangers 1 Celtic 2 (AET)
Graeme Young
A comeback draw, a bumper away crowd and fresh from a dogged win to leapfrog Rangers in the league – the signs are pointing in Celtic’s direction. Meanwhile, the mood at Ibrox is somber, but Danny Rohl’s side showed enough promise in the first half to suggest more is still to come. Youssef Chermiti’s talismanic presence in this match could be the difference.
Rangers 2 Celtic 1
Gavin Berry
It’s going to be fascinating to see how much of a psychological the ending to last week’s game has on this encounter. Will the way the match finished still be in the heads of both players? If – and it is a big IF – Rangers can replicate that first half performance then they have shown they have too much for Celtic, on their own first half showing.
(Image: SNS Group)
Or can the visitors produce a repeat of their second half performance? It could end up being somewhere in the middle but home advantage could see Rangers edge it.
Rangers 1 Celtic 0
Andy Newport
Danny Rohl’s side went full throttle for 45 minutes last week and very nearly ran Celtic off the road. They were only pegged back after taking their foot off the gas in the second period so this time I expect Gers to keep their boot to the floor and motor on to the semi-finals.
Rangers 2 Celtic 1
Ryan McDonald
Celts are building a head of steam heading into this derby blockbuster. Three away days on the bounce have yielded two wins and a draw. You wonder what effect last weekend’s two-goal fightback will have had on Gers and with a green-and-white wall behind the Broomloan goal, I think it could be the Hoops’ day.
Rangers 1-2 Celtic
Scott Burns
Rangers might just swing it with home advantage. Neither of these sides are that convincing. Celtic had a game midweek and that could give Danny Rohl’s side the edge.
Rangers 2 Celtic 1