Celtic v Rangers — League Cup Semi-Final Preview

It’s derby day again — and this one has real weight. A place in the League Cup Final is on the line, and both sides come into it with something to prove. Celtic are gathering momentum under Martin O’Neill and Shaun Maloney, while Rangers, now under Danny Röhl, finally look like a side with structure, confidence, and belief.

What to Expect from Rangers

Danny Röhl has wasted no time stamping his mark on Rangers. Two wins from two in domestic competition have brought a noticeable lift in energy and purpose. His side press higher, attack faster, and look far more cohesive than they did under previous management.

Expect Rangers to be on the front foot, pressing Celtic aggressively from the first whistle and looking to disrupt build-up play. Röhl’s teams like to win the ball back quickly and exploit transitions — and with players like Gassama, they have the speed and directness to do damage if Celtic are sloppy in possession.

Aasgaard has also come to life under Röhl, dictating tempo and creating chances between the lines. He’ll be key in linking midfield to attack and feeding Gassama in those dangerous wide channels. Celtic will have to stay compact, disciplined, and smart when building from the back.

Celtic’s Approach

For Celtic, this is all about controlling the midfield and keeping composure when pressed. Röhl’s Rangers will look to force mistakes, but Celtic have the technical quality to play through the pressure — if they stay calm and move the ball quickly.

McGregor will be vital in dictating tempo and providing that calm presence in the middle, while O’Riley and Hatate will need to find those clever pockets of space to progress play and open Rangers up. This is a game where patience and precision will matter as much as passion.

Out wide, Tounekti could be a major weapon. He’s had joy in past meetings against Tavernier, using his pace and direct running to isolate and beat him. If Celtic can get him one-on-one, it could be a real difference-maker.

Up front, Kenny will need to be strong and clever — holding the ball, bringing others into play, and giving Celtic a focal point when under pressure. His physicality could pin Rangers’ centre-backs back and create vital space for the runners around him.

Key Players to Watch

For Celtic:

• Callum McGregor – The heartbeat; Celtic need his control and awareness more than ever against an intense press.

• Tounekti – Direct and dangerous; can exploit the space behind Tavernier.

• Kenny – Must lead the line with strength and discipline, bringing others into play.

For Rangers:

• Gassama – The main threat out wide; pace, power, and an eye for goal.

• Aasgaard – Creative spark; will look to dictate play and unlock Celtic’s shape.

• Tavernier – Dangerous from set-pieces and overlaps, but could be vulnerable defensively.

Conclusion

This one promises to be tense, high-tempo, and fiercely contested. Röhl has injected fresh life into Rangers, and they’ll pose a very different challenge to the one Celtic faced earlier this season. But Celtic are starting to find rhythm and belief again under O’Neill — sharper, more aggressive, and with players stepping up across the pitch.

If Celtic can stay composed under pressure and make their technical quality count, they have enough to edge it. The midfield battle will decide it — control that, and a place in the final beckons.

Paradise Pulse Prediction: Celtic 2–1 Rangers