This weekend’s Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers has seen many pundits offer their opinion on who they think will become victorious on the day.
Yesterday we discussed how Paul Lambert believed that Celtic would shade it. Kenny Dalglish also believed Celtic win it but admitted that it would be a tough game for the Parkhead club.
But neither of those pundits was as crystal clear as former Celtic striker, Andy Walker was with his big Hampden prediction.
Walker says Celtic will beat Rangers ‘comfortably’
The normal protocol for these predictions is that pundits generally say something to keep the conversation balanced.
We all know how it works. But on this occasion, Walker believes that Celtic are overwhelming favourites due to the strength of their midfield.
Walker said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I don’t think he’s going to be close. I think Celtic are going to win comfortably.
“I think they’ve got so many potential match winners. You look at that lineup that they’ve got the one that has played last week.
“The midfield is so strong with Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor and Hatate, Rangers have really struggled to get to grips with all three of those players.
“And then when you think of the influence that Maeda has got over James Tavernier. I think Kyogo will play from the start ahead of Idah but you’ve obviously got him on the bench.
“And James Forrest has reached the best form of the season at the right time and that’s why I think Celtic will win by at least a couple of goals.”
Quite the statement from the former Hoops striker. And whilst I am also confident of a Celtic win, I wouldn’t be as so bold as Walker has been here.
However, in fairness to him, this is quite refreshing from the norm. Let’s hope that this prediction comes to fruition and that Brendan Rodgers will be taking the Scottish Cup back up The Celtic Way at 6pm on Saturday evening.