Thursday, March 9, 2017

Celtic v Rangers: Old Firm derby tactics analysed by Charlie Nicholas

Celtic face Rangers on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Celtic face Rangers on Sunday, live on Sky Sports

Celtic and Rangers go head-to-head on Sunday for the third time in the Scottish Premiership this season and the action from Celtic Park is live on Sky Sports.

Brendan Rodgers' side will be looking to extend their unbeaten run this season to 28 matches as they look to go through the whole season unbeaten, but their old rivals Rangers will be eager to halt their progress.

So where will the encounter be won and lost? Watch the video above and read on below as Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas analyses the areas that could prove decisive...

Celtic vs Rangers

March 12, 2017, 11:30am

Live on Sky Sports 5 HD

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Can Rangers cope __with Celtic's pace and power?

Rangers have a big problem. We know they haven't got a manager in place and Celtic have been running the show for the whole season __with pace, power and movement.

Clint Hill
Clint Hill's lack of pace has been exposed on a number of occassions at Rangers

Rangers haven't got an ounce of pace at the back. They have to change their formation and sit a little bit deeper. They sat deep with four at the back the last time they went to Celtic Park and they couldn't get out, so they need to change their prospects by going to a back five.

When there's pace in behind they are suddenly exposed. They can't contain anybody with pace and Celtic have got an abundance of it. What's going on at the moment doesn't work so you have to change it.

With the change in formation they would protect themselves and it can give them an advantage because the back five allows Lee Wallace and James Tavernier to get forward.

Wide men key for Rangers

With five at the back you can get Wallace and Tavernier high up the pitch. That's where they can have an influence because they are better with the ball.

Lee Wallace could play a key part for Rangers at Celtic Park
Lee Wallace could play a key part for Rangers at Celtic Park

The two strikers in this system need to keep Celtic's defence occupied but it's the wing-backs that are key, especially in advanced situations.

If they go with a back four it's damage limitation. It's nothing else but damage limitation because it will only be a matter of time before Celtic's pace and power rip them apart.

Charlie Nicholas expects runaway league leaders Celtic to win this weekend
Charlie Nicholas expects runaway league leaders Celtic to win this weekend's Old Firm derby against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership

If they go with a back three, sit in and be cautious they have the legs to get forward and cause Celtic problems. Rodgers' side are strong favourites but this plan can give Rangers a stronger foothold in the game.

How do you shackle Dembele and Sinclair?

Moussa Dembele, who has scored 17 goals in the league, is playing out of his skin at the moment but Scott Sinclair is the key to the game.

Moussa Dembele has score five goals in three matches in all competitions against Rangers
Moussa Dembele has score five goals in three matches in all competitions against Rangers

Rangers have to try and show him into traffic because he's so dangerous when he cuts in off the left flank. When he does that then you see Dembele popping up wide on the left.

They are not really a partnership but it works a treat for Celtic because of the pace and power.

Scott Sinclair celebrates after giving Celtic a 2-1 lead against Rangers earlier in the season
Scott Sinclair celebrates after giving Celtic a 2-1 lead against Rangers earlier in the season

If Rangers play with a back four then ball over the top is on all day for Dembele and it could prove to be a very difficult afternoon for the visitors.