Celtic v Rangers: Top spot within sight for in-form Bhoys

Scottish Football / Michael Lintorn / 28 December 2011 /

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Georgios Samaras often starts these ties, and has delivered in the past

"There have been a staggering eight sending offs in the last ten clashes, including six in the most recent six."

The festive football hasn't been too scintillating so far but fear not because Wednesday night hosts a fixture that rarely disappoints, as Celtic and Rangers fight to end 2011 at the head of the SPL...

Celtic v Rangers, Wednesday 19:45 BST, Sky Sports 1, Match odds: Celtic [2.04], Rangers [4.3], The Draw [3.5]

Cast your mind back to November 18, back when it stayed light outside until at least 16:00, Rangers were 12 points clear at the top of the SPL and many suspected that Neil Lennon would fail to see out the year in charge of Celtic.

How many would have thought that little over a month later, the Bhoys would be buoyant, the gap would be down to one point, Lennon's position would be more secure than ever and his side would have a chance to close 2011 as leaders?

Only a victory will complete that remarkable turnaround, yet while Rangers are unbeaten in the last three Old Firm derbies, Celtic often triumph when they collide over the 12 days of Christmas. It has happened in each of the last three seasons, with the Hoops prevailing twice at Ibrox in that period.

This is Ally McCoist's first trip to Celtic Park as a manager and the fact that his highly successful predecessor Walter Smith left empty-handed without so much of a goal on his last two visits must unnerve him slightly, in addition to lending appeal to the odds of [2.04] offered on the home team.

These Old Firm showdowns come with three things virtually guaranteed: drama, an epic atmosphere and ill discipline. There have been a staggering eight sending offs in the last ten clashes, including six in the most recent six, so [2.88] has to be considered a generous price on a repeat.

If that's a slightly obvious recommendation for this match then here is one that is less so: Georgios Samaras to score at [3.4]. Though Anthony Stokes is thought to have recovered from injury, it would be harsh to drop the Greek striker after he got both goals in the Christmas Eve win over Kilmarnock.

The 26-year-old has netted three times in his club's last three home matches, breaking the deadlock twice - a feat that he is [9.0] to repeat - and struck twice in last term's festive fixture at Ibrox.

Best Bet: Celtic to win @ [2.04]
Other Recommended Bet: A sending off @ [2.88]

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