The real Philippe Clement, according to Celtic legend Chris Sutton, gives the Rangers a leadership that was absent under Michael Beale.
Before Sunday’s tantalizing match at High Noon, the top analyst called the former Ibrox boss a “bluffer” and expressed his belief that Brendan Rodgers’ champions will be put to the test. He engaged in a heated debate with on-air companion Kris Boyd. Sutton remarked, “Well, according to Kris, Rangers have already won it,” when speaking to Sky Sports. He labels the Rangers as favorites and believes they should lose.
“I do expect the Rangers to win the league,” Boyd retorted. Home advantage may be crucial in an Old Firm game as, in my opinion, under Philippe Clement, they have turned things around and do appear to be a completely different team. But Celtic’s speed at the top of the pitch is something we have witnessed previously. Maeda, they are going to need to play excellent defense against Kyogo’s movement. I am excited about it.”
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Boyd was very clear that Clement and his team had to win on Sunday when he was asked how important it was for Clement to win. Huge, not just for himself, but also, I believe, for the title race, he continued. Now that you have the chance at home, you can defeat Celtic for the first time. Rangers appear to be in a good situation.
Sutton continued, “You would rather have him in the dugout than not,” praising the Irishman’s big game acumen and what he can bring to Derby Day. He has only lost one of his fifteen games versus the Rangers, which is a really good record. They have performed admirably against the Rangers in both of their season’s games thus far. Celtic will be aware that this is a new Rangers squad, as Michael Beale was a bluffer in his previous role. Now that they have a knowledgeable manager in place, the squad has been inspired and given new life. They are heading in the correct way. It is not feasible to call, though. This game’s beauty lies in that. Any scoreline can result in anything.”
Sutton also touted the returning players, who might play a significant role on Derby Day. “It is a case of how fit Callum McGregor is,” he continued. How much work he puts in this week is crucial since it will not be the same as training if he has been riding a bike in a gym for five or six weeks.
“It will be up to Brendan Rodgers to decide, and Celtic is a stronger team with McGregor on it. But he cannot play if he is not fit, or if he is just somewhat fit. However, with Reo Hatate back and Cameron Carter-Vickers playing well against Livingston, Celtic will benefit greatly.”
Rogers, Brendan, and Philippe Clement
Boyd thinks a Rangers star who is returning might be important, even if he does not play the whole ninety minutes. It is a lift for a title run-in, but I can not see [Abdallah] Sima starting, stated the former Rangers striker. With Cyriel Dessers playing through the middle and Fabio Silva playing off the left, I believe the Rangers are quite well established in that area.”
Celtic is given a boost by Callum McGregor’s comeback, as the leadership group included names other than the captain.
However, considering Sima’s early success at Rangers prior to his serious injury, Clement will be happy to see him healthy again. He has already demonstrated that he knows where the objective is, and he wants to close the distance.”
Boyd also acknowledges that the boisterous home crowd is just a benefit for Rangers supporters provided everything goes according to plan. “If you go back to the first Old Firm game at Ibrox this season, that incredible Kyogo strike silenced Ibrox so it shows it can turn,” he continued. It may have advantages, but it also has the potential to work against you in the same manner that it did there. Rangers must get the crowd behind them and have a good start to the game.
“After Philippe Clement took over, Rangers supporters noticed a shift and a difference. They are much more committed to the team. The frustrations that once accompanied Michael Beale have vanished. Now it is up to the players to provide the supporters with something to cheer about on Sunday.”
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