It is no real surprise that the Scottish Premier League race already appears to be down to the two usual suspects. How Rangers and Celtic have gotten to their current positions, though, is a story in itself.
Heading into Wednesday's latest edition of the venomous Old Firm Derby (2:45 p.m., live stream here), Rangers has let a one-time, 15-point lead over its Glasgow rival nearly slip away. Dropped points in three of its last six games has the club now clinging to a one-point edge over Celtic, which is riding an eight-match winning streak (and 12-game unbeaten run) in league play.
Like the last time Celtic and Rangers met — a 4-2, come-from-behind Rangers win in September — U.S. internationals Carlos Bocanegra and Maurice Edu are eligible for the Rangers starting lineup, and Alejandro Bedoya has been left off the team sheet.
While this meeting is crucial for both teams' table aspirations, the stakes will likely be at their peak come March 24, when the teams square off for the final time during the season.
Bocanegra put the importance of this meeting in perspective, saying on Rangers' official website, "Any time you have a chance to get a result against them, it's a big opportunity, and there was a lot of energy around the club after we won the last derby in September.
"Everyone at Rangers was happy and they all had a little pep in their step, so we want to experience that sort of thing again. At the same time, there is still a long way to go this season and we're only around the halfway point at the moment. While this is a big game, there are a lot more points to be won and lost after this game and what happens this week will decide nothing."
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How do you see Wednesday's match unfolding? Which team do you think will ultimately win the league title?
Share your thoughts below.
Celtic 1 Rangers 0.
-1
Celtic win and are now in first
is Bedoya injured?
people that are complaining because americans are playing in the old firm for rangers. get over it.
Who cares who wins. The important thing is the sectarian violence.
(That was sarcasm. I agree with others who wish our Yanks could find elsewhere to play abroad because the Old Firm is too problematic get involved in.)
Edu not starting for Rangers
here’s a free and LEGAL feed!
http://www.sportsnet.ca/sportsnet_world_free_preview/
link?
Once you put a hun shirt on, you’re a hun.
Celtic and Rangers are playing one another in the USA in May of 2012. I know the venue and date. Do you?
Agreed. Tough to support Boca and Edu when they don blue jerseys.
Hooper is an animal.
Any links to the live feed?
I do wish Celtic would sign a US player, that other team has done well with Americans over the years and our guys fit into the budget of the SPL well
Sorry but cannot wish Edu & Boca well today, I hope they personally do well but that their team loses today
Go Bhoys!
I’m talking about the Rangers fans who hate the guy even when he is performing well. I want Mo to go to France or somewhere to improve.
actually dont think that would shut up the haters, as that is not the issue most have with him. playing at a high speed in foot and mind, and converting crisp passes are more common knocks.
Good luck to mo & Boca.
Edu is going to shut the haters up and score the winning goal.