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Celtic are set to play Rangers next month on the 2nd of February, in a game which could have huge implications in the title race for this season. It is a match which Celtic really need to win for a number of reasons.
Firstly, to ensure that the club stays in the title race. Secondly, it would be a real boost for Ange Posteciglou if he leads the Bhoys to a first derby win in over two years. For that to happen though, there are some aspects of the team’s game that have to be improved on.
There are two major areas of the game that Postecoglou should focus on ahead of the game against Rangers. That is, making sure that the team takes their chances, and not giving away any goals from set pieces.
If we look back to the first meeting of the sides this season, it was those elements of the game that let Celtic down.
The Hoops lost the game 1-0, but could have come away with at least a point if the team had taken their chances. Odsonne Edouard, in what was his last game for the Bhoys, was guilty of missing a sitter in the first-half, whilst Kyogo missed a few good chances towards the end of the game.
As for the set piece issue, the only goal of the game came when Filip Helander headed home from a corner. That was the second time in a year Celtic lost by one goal at Ibrox, and the only goal came from a set piece on both occasions.
Despite Celtic having the best defensive record in the Premiership, the team does still have to improve on some issues defensively, especially when it comes to playing Rangers.
Ahead of the game, Celtic must work very hard to ensure that the team improves when it comes to defending set pieces. If the Hoops can do this, the team will have a chance of winning the game at Celtic Park next month.
There are some games to be played before the Glasgow derby when Celtic return from the winter break, and of course all at the club will be focusing on those matches first.
However, such is the importance of the derby, that Celtic will have plans in mind in how to be successful on the pitch on the 2nd of February.
Only time will tell if Celtic will win the game, but the chances of picking up the three points will dramatically improve if the Bhoys can improve on defending set pieces and taking chances.
