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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Chris Sutton claims Rangers are 'still shaking' after Celtic mauling as he pinpoints major Ajax headache

Confident Chris Sutton reckons Rangers will struggle at the back against Ajax as he backed the Dutch champions to see off a side "still shaking" after defeat to Celtic.

Gio van Bronckhorst 's side endured nightmare preparation for their first Champions League group stage game in 12 years with Ange Postecoglou's men running out convincing 4-0 winners on Saturday to move five points clear at the Scottish Premiership summit. While Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder has insisted the derby drubbing will be a non-factor at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Sutton believes there are major defensive issues that can be exploited.

Sutton admits the loss of big name Ajax players including summer Manchester United recruits Lisandro Martinez and Antony could see them drop in quality this term, but reckons they will have enough to see off Rangers. The Celtic hero also reckons Calvin Bassey could play a key role as he faces his former side.

Sutton, as he predicted a 2-1 win for the Dutch side, said: "Have Ajax got any players left? It felt like all I heard over the summer was how their top talents were being targeted.

"They may have lost Lisandro Martinez and Antony to Manchester United — and their manager Erik ten Hag — but this remains a club with a super track record in Europe. Last season they won all six group games in the Champions League and they start this campaign against a Rangers side still shaking from that 4-0 loss to Celtic on Saturday.

"I fear for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team defensively. Calvin Bassey was influential in the Rangers back line last season but he’s now an Ajax player."

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