Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that Sunday’s Glasgow Derby cup semi-final will be won based on the performance of Ange Postecoglou’s side in their own penalty area.

There has been much made about the Celtic defence this season, with criticism falling its way to the likes of Carl Starfelt or Greg Taylor. However, both players have played a significant part in currently holding the best defensive record in the Scottish Premiership.

After a bit of a slow start to the game at Ibrox, the two players also put in magnificent performances, alongside Cameron Carter Vickers and Josip Juranovic, which saw the Hoops pick up a huge three points in Govan last month.

With that display in mind, Sutton has insisted that the game on Sunday will be won within the Celtic penalty area. The Englishman believes that it will come down to the individual battles at the back, which could prove critical if Ange Postecoglou’s side are to earn a place in the final.

Speaking to the Daily Record, when asked where the game would be won, Sutton responded: “On the pitch. Seriously? I’m looking at the Celtic penalty box.

“If they can defend their area the way they did at Ibrox, then it could be a tough day for Rangers as Celtic have the attack to hurt them at the other end.

“There are fascinating battles all over, and it could come down to Jota against James Tavernier, Greg Taylor v Joe Aribo as the wide areas will be crucial.”

The Celtic backline have made vast improvements under Ange Postescoglou this campaign and have been crucial in the run that has seen this side go undefeated domestically since September.

That will be no different looking ahead to Sunday, and Postecoglou and his coaching staff will be looking for another consistent display at the back, similar to the second-half performance at Ibrox in March.

Hopefully, we are able to impose ourselves on the game right from the off this weekend, which will go a long way to helping the likes of CCV and Starfelt settle in for another pivotal 90 minutes.

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