Celtic fan favourite Chris Sutton reckons Michael Beale's Rangers can't even win "the Michael Beale league," let alone the Premiership - and have no chance of catching Ange Postecoglou's side.
The Londoner faces his last chance to land silverware in his debut campaign as Ibrox boss as he looks to reach the Scottish Cup final with a semi-final victory over the Hoops - who are chasing a Treble this term with the Premiership crown all-but won and the Viaplay Cup safely in the Celtic Park trophy cabinet. The derby blockbuster has put the achievements of Beale in focus - and Sutton reckons he has dropped below his own standards.
During his first press conference as Ibrox boss, Beale set out his agenda as he swerved a definitive call to catch Celtic - who were nine points clear at the time - instead focussing on the brand of football he wanted to usher in with a focus on winning games. He stated that with "energy on the pitch and the right players" the club would get back to winning ways - but Sutton reckons that the Ibrox boss has failed to pass that threshold.
Speaking on the Record Celtic Podcast , Sutton insists Rangers can forget catching champions-elected Celtic - who are 13 points clear - in the Scottish Premiership if they aren't even hitting their own targets. He said: “Do I think the Aberdeen result will have a bearing on the semi-final? Absolutely not.
“There was only the tiniest chance of Rangers winning the league after Celtic’s slip up, but it was an opportunity gone. They will have wanted to go into the game with real momentum.
“I still think they have issues, especially if Goldson and Kent aren’t fit. It’s enormous for Rangers. They are the team under major pressure in this game.
“It’s a must win for Beale. If they don’t there will inevitably be pressure on the start of next season. This year, you’d had the Scottish league and you’ve had the Michael Beale league. He’s losing in both and now he has this enormous game on Sunday.
“Beale has had a lot to say about Ange Postecoglou, he’s had a lot to say about a lot of things, and that’s okay. But the important thing is backing it up on the pitch.
“Domestically they have improved and made Aberdeen will give them a kick up the backside. I’d make Celtic slight favourites but the pressure is all on Rangers."
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