Celtic visit Rangers this Sunday in a top of the table clash even though Celtic have opened up a 6 point lead going into October.

In the build up to this Sunday’s game, we step back into the Archives on May 10 1980 and look at a classic Old Firm clash – the 1980 Scottish Cup Final where Rangers were taking on their foes Celtic in which was to be a top class battle at Hampden Park.

The Rangers left it late to beat Aberdeen to get through to the final whilst Celtic done it pretty easy verse Hibernian smashing then 5-0. Every single player in both line-ups were Scottish besides Celtic keeper Peter Latchford who was from England. Although the game was not a classic it was the action after the match that turned this battle into a memorable match.

Celtic dominated the first half with Celtic midfielder Murdo MacLeod having a good oppurtunity in the first half however his shot went wide. Celtic were consistently peppering the Rangers goal but Rangers did have one oppurtunity in the first half and it fell to key midfielder Derek Johnstone but the show went over the bar. Both teams went into the break as they started, 0-0.

The second half started and again Celtic were finding it hard to contain Rangers midfielder Johnstone as he created many chances for himself and other team mates in the second half. It was a complete reversal from Rangers after containing Celtic and absorbing pressure in the first half it was them who were mounting pressure, but like the Rangers in the first half Celtic contained Rangers and there key midfielder Johnstone.

Both teams tried to snatch the game late on but again it was 0-0 and thats the way it stayed at full time, so it was off to extra time. It was again Johnstone who created havoc for opposition defenders coming from the midfield, he latched on to a chance created from a great ball by substitute Tommy McLean, but all the pressure Rangers were mounting kept falling to nothing.

It had to go to a second bout of extra time, although it came late Celtic managed to create the breakthrough, with defender Danny McGrains shot ricocheting off striker George McCluskey from Celtic, the goal was deemed McCluskey’s. The deflection fooled Rangers keeper Peter McCloy, however he did get a hand to it, it was too late and the ball was in the back of the net. The match ended and it was 1-0 to Celtic and Danny McGrain held the Scottish Cup aloft.

That was the end of the match, but not the rivalry, fans from both teams invaded the field with Rangers and Celtic supporters throwing missiles and anything they could find at their opposition supporters. Police tried to take control of the matter but it was no use, they couldn’t settle the supporters and it was a period of madness. However it did all settle down and the matter was put to rest, but at the end of the day Celtic won this derby match 1-0.

Rangers v Celtic Predictions:

Well hopefully the fans won’t be that bad this weekend, but my tip is with the Rangers, I think the homecrowd will get them over the line, it what will hopefully be a great match.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Jacob Timpano, Alex Brosque, Brandon Santalab, Michael Zullo, do those names ring a bell? No? What about Robbie Fowler? Thought you knew that name.

Fowler is the newest marquee player in the A-League and he is playing for the North Queensland Fury. I am sure everybody knows Robbie Fowler, a man with 230 goals in all competitions next to his name, a member of the PFA Team of the Year and twice PFA Young player of the year.

Our next most famous player is Craig Moore, Craig Moore! Sure he is an Australian football legend, but he isn’t even in the same class as “God”. Although Fowler is on the wrong side of 30 he still is a pure finisher, even if he hasn’t played since September last year.

And now, here are the reasons why I think Fowler can help the A-League:

His Status:

Robbie Fowler is well known across the globe, and I think everybody will want to know how Robbie Fowler is going, whether they are from England or Australia. Sure the English might not know who the North Queensland Fury are, and probably chuckle at the outrageous name (trust me I laugh at it, and I’m Aussie) but it won’t matter if you don’t know, it doesn’t matter, people still want too see if Fowler struggles or shines in the Australian competition, and no matter if you love him or hate him, you just want too see him play.

Fowler might not make you watch the A-League, but he will make you take an interest in the A-League, and if Fowler scores I think it might just get on the sport news in England and might take up a small article in the English press, which will be new ground for the A-League.

His Marketability

When Dwight Yorke arrived in our shores in the A-Leagues inaugural season, he was the centre of every ad campaign, whether it be on television, billboards or even on the radio, and again this is where Fowler’s status contributes, he is no doubt in my opinion a bigger star then Dwight Yorke.

Imagine the revenue that can be pulled in by Mr White Line Fever, and with the current economy crisis, and with some clubs now in financial trouble, Fowler could be the one who gives these clubs a push, increase crowd figures, increase income, one thinks that people will go to watch Fowler regardless what team they support.

Experience

Australian sport stars in general are facing constant media scrutiny – just 3 months ago Sebastian Ryall (Sydney FC Defender) was charged with sexual assault on a 12 year old girl while 3 players were convicted of match fixing last A-League season. Sure Fowler has had some indiscretions next to his name, but he is now a 34 year old family man, he brings his experience a calming influence, and can calm down some young players, not just from the Fury but from opposition teams.

Fowler is a great asset to the A-League, although he is 34, he can still bring a positive influence to the Australian football scene. A great player, but hopefully a man of his status can make people take notice of the A-League, if Fowler can’t, maybe Australian football clubs should target stars in their prime, but one thinks the big stars won’t be coming to Australia.

Will Fowler flop or will he light up the A-League?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News