Charlie Nicholas, has shared his opinion on the upcoming match between Celtic and the Rangers, stating that he believes the Ibrox side will put up a good fight.
However, he has also suggested a tactical adjustment that he believes could harm Celtic’s chances of winning the treble. Nicholas believes that Ange Postecoglou, Celtic’s manager, will come out on top in the Scottish Cup semi-final but wants to give advice to Celtic’s rivals to give them a fighting chance.
Nicholas has been critical of the Rangers’ striker, Alfredo Morelos, in recent seasons, and he now believes that Morelos is no longer an effective player for the team.
Nicholas has therefore come up with a unique tactical approach that involves leaving Morelos on the bench, to give other players a chance to start.
He has urged Beale and the Rangers coaching staff to consider this option in order to mix things up and increase the team’s chances of success.
Speaking in his Daily Express Print edition column, Nicholas said: “Rangers need to go with a false nine if they are to have any chance of upsetting Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final. At the moment, Michael Beale has an empty nine. Alfredo Morelos makes the team so predictable and, as first-choice centre-forward, he is not offering enough. He is a physical battler but he can’t run past opponents.
“Morelos plays on the edge of the game because he can’t get involved in the basics. Having found the net just 12 times in 42 appearances this season, he is on course for his lowest goals return in six seasons at the club. The Colombian can’t be relied on any more and he has become a burden for Beale, so the Ibrox manager should try something different at Hampden on Sunday.
“I would leave Morelos out of the starting line-up and see if he can make an impact coming off the bench. If Antonio Colak isn’t fit then deploying the likes of Malik Tillman or Scott Arfield as a false nine could be Rangers’ best weapon because, as it stands, they don’t really have anything else. The talent at Ibrox is individual, not collective. Rangers did OK in the first half of last weekend’s league match against Aberdeen, but it all fell down again because they have no pace up top. The stick being aimed at Beale after the 2-0 defeat was inevitable because his side weren’t clinical enough at Pittodrie.
“Rangers’ defensive weakness was also evident, with this being the third game in a row they have conceded at least two goals. It’s probably no coincidence Connor Goldson was absent for all three games through injury, with John Souttar filling at centre-back. With Rangers soft at the back, Celtic have to be clear favourites for the semi-final. I can see it being an end-to–end match and James Tavernier will be key to any success his side have. With the Scottish Cup their last hope of silverware, Gers need a big finish to the season.
“I think they do have a big performance in them, but it really needs to come out on Sunday.They have to produce. In the last Old Firm derby they were very good for 30 minutes because they went after Celtic. If Rangers get the first goal at Hampden, it would make an enormous difference and allow them to play counter-attacking football.”
It’s rather bizarre to see a former Celtic player try and give the Ibrox club advice. Nicholas has to do his best to stay relevant and that means not being Celtic centric, but this takes it to a whole new level even though he expects Celtic to win.
He added: “I don’t think Celtic took their foot off the pedal against Motherwell in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Parkhead. The Steelmen were just really at it. They had a go and good on them. Celtic might be questioning themselves.
“If Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Reo Hatate are not all fit then Rangers might have a wee chance because Celtic won’t be at full capacity. But, with the Hoops going for the Treble, I expect them to win.”
Champagne Charlie is the font of the buns team selection. What is he at. Does Charlie think anyone at Ipox would take suggestions from an ex Celt. You might consider Celtic fans suggest you keep your powder dry as we have noted your enthusiasm to advise the buns.
Now Charlie, back behind the TV desk and “hud yer wheesht” Troublemaker.
He pops up now and again, just in case no one remembers him. I remember him he is the turncoat. Always putting down the tic whenever we face Sevco. Just another fading light that needs turned off once and for all.