Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou couldn’t ask for a greater approach to ring within the new 12 months.
The Hoops tackle bitter rivals Rangers at Ibrox within the newest iteration of the Old Firm, a match new Rangers boss Michael Beale has described because the “derby of all derbies”, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30pm AEDT on Monday night time.
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A win for Postecoglou’s troops would transfer them 12 factors clear forward of their cross-town rivals on the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Not solely that, it could additionally all however affirm a second-straight league title for Celtic, barring a whole capitulation within the second half of the season.
The final time the 2 historic rivals got here to blows this season, Postecoglou’s males blew Rangers away in a 4-0 demolition job.
But this time round, Postecoglou has a special adversary sitting within the reverse dugout and he’s no stranger to what this fixture is all about.
The Rangers gig is simply Beale’s second as a supervisor having taken over at Queens Park Rangers in the summertime however lasted simply 22 video games because the Scottish giants got here calling after earlier boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst was axed.
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Before then, the 42-year-old was greatest referred to as Steven Gerrard’s right-hand man in the course of the Liverpool legend’s time as Rangers boss, earlier than the 2 each moved to Aston Villa in November 2021.
Since his return to Ibrox, Beale has received 4 from 4 with Rangers scoring 10 objectives in that point.
Beale already has 13 Old Firm derbies below his belt, successful eight of these as a member of Gerrard’s teaching employees.
But that is his first one when it’s he who calls the photographs, not Gerrard.
And former Rangers star Kenny Miller is aware of simply how important it’s that Beale will get off the mark in his first match in opposition to Celtic since taking up at Ibrox.
“As Rangers gaffer, he must give you a sport plan that offers his workforce an opportunity of beating Celtic,” Miller wrote in a column for the Daily Record.
“That’s Michael’s job now. It’s why he determined to take a seat within the scorching seat
“And make no mistake, your first derby sport in Glasgow — for any supervisor — is very large. It’s his first correct take a look at within the dugout.
“Unlike his three-and-a-half-year stint at Ibrox earlier than, he’s the person now. This is his time and it’s an enormous second in his managerial profession.
Michael Beale is the brand new man within the dugout at Ibrox. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“He’ll know the magnitude of it. He has to place a marker down as a result of you possibly can’t go two, three, 4 Old Firms with out successful one.
“You need to get in and strike early. Just like profitable Rangers and Celtic gaffers have performed up to now.”
Beale described the event as “the derby of all derbies” and insists it’s a “privilege to be concerned in”, however he’s below no illusions in the case of the dimensions of the duty that awaits.
And the Brit insists his facet is not going to “make a step backwards” in opposition to a Celtic facet who little question will probably be going full throttle at their opponents for 90 minutes.
“At this second in time, Celtic have had a greater rhythm than us however we have now to do no matter it takes to get the outcome,” Beale stated.
“I’m massively assured, it’s Rangers at Ibrox.
“We will meet them on the midway line and go ahead for the three factors. We received’t make a step backwards for Celtic or anybody who involves Ibrox.
“This sport means rather a lot, I really feel the accountability day by day.
“We want the suggestions from this sport to enhance and transfer ahead, as second just isn’t adequate right here.”
As for Postecoglou, he is aware of he’s main his facet into battle in opposition to a set of rivals driving a robust wave of momentum on the again of 4 consecutive wins.
Postecoglou is aiming to extend Celtic’s lead on the high of the desk to 12 factors. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I’m trying ahead to it, it needs to be an excellent ambiance, they’re up and working, they’ve had some good type so it needs to be sport,” Postecoglou instructed Sky Sports.
“They’ve modified barely by way of their form.
“Obviously, Michael hasn’t had an opportunity to alter personnel an excessive amount of but, however everytime you get a brand new supervisor there’s a brand new power inside the constructing and you may see that within the first three of 4 video games he’s been in cost.”
The Hoops boss additionally has quite a few essential choice calls to make, one in every of which includes an Aussie compatriot.
In Celtic’s final outing in opposition to Hibernian, Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy received his first objectives since becoming a member of the membership in the summertime as he scored a sweetly-timed half-volley and despatched David Marshall the incorrect method from the penalty spot.
Despite his goalscoring exploits and strong type of late, Mooy may discover himself again on the bench with star right-back Josip Juranovic set to return to motion.
Despite scoring twice in his final match, Aaron Mooy could also be dropped to the bench. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Midfielder Reo Hatate has deputised at right-back in Juranovic’s absence, however with the Croatian returned after a robust World Cup displaying that gained loads of admirers, Mooy might find yourself being the autumn man.
However, Postecoglou was reluctant to disclose any workforce plans, insisting he can by no means lock in his lineup within the days beforehand.
“I’ve received a few selections to make, mate,” Postecoglou stated.
“It’s not what kind of drives me. I stated the opposite day, no matter plans you might have as a supervisor, and I assume from the skin it all the time appears black and white, there are all the time issues it’s essential consider to your resolution.
“If I set right here and let you know I do know what my beginning XI is I’ll child myself.
“We will take a look at who’s shifting nicely, who can take advantage of impression to start out the sport with the complete information that whoever doesn’t begin will be capable of make a contribution coming off the bench.”
No matter the workforce Postecoglou places out at Ibrox, there will probably be an abundance of high quality each in his beginning lineup and on the bench.
And in opposition to a Rangers facet with a brand new supervisor on the helm who has an almighty level to show, Postecoglou will want each single one in every of his troops to step up in what could possibly be the largest home take a look at the Aussie faces this season.
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