Aiden McGeady has tipped Celtic to deliver a decisive title blow at Ibrox on Sunday with Giorgos Giakoumakis leading the charge.
The Sunderland winger reckons Ange Postecoglou has worked wonders to ensure his old side have a better squad than Rangers after losing their crown to their arch rivals in disastrous fashion a year ago.
With the Hoops three points ahead going into the final seven games McGeady can’t see past Postecoglou’s side, especially after the dished out a 3-0 drubbing in the last meeting in February.
And he reckons in-form Giakoumakis - who has struck eight goals including two hat-tricks in his last five outings - is just the man to KO Rangers on Sunday.
The 35-year-old, who won four titles with Celtic, said: “When Kyogo Furuhashi got injured it was a big question of who would start up front.
“Giakoumakis was a relative unknown who had been playing in fits and starts. But the last six or seven games he has been playing well and hitting the back of the net.
“He gives the team a different dimension. Kyogo likes to run in behind, is very sharp and has great movement. Giakoumakis is more a target man but his goal record speaks for itself.
“He will definitely give the Rangers defence something to think about.
“I think it will be a tight affair on Sunday. Celtic have a strong defensive record this season. I don’t think they will be quite as expansive as they have been.
“I’ll say 2-1 Celtic.”
Asked who had the stronger squad McGeady told Sky Sports: “Last season I thought Rangers.
“This season I was unsure because Postecoglou was relatively unknown outwith the UK. He brought the Japanese players in and not a lot was known about them.
“But the way they have integrated into the squad and the way he wants them to play - they have done it very quickly - so I probably lean towards Celtic.
“I like the way they play football. I like the manager’s integrity, humility and what he stands for.
“You’d rather be in Celtic’s position with the points on the board and being chased.
“I’ve played in title races like this before where you are trying to close the gap and the games are running out. Rangers have to treat every game like a cup final.
“The last derby will be fresh in the memory and it’s difficult to gloss over. Rangers weren’t at the races. Celtic played well and Rangers never knew what hit them.
“Since then they’ve kept pace with each other. But this game on Sunday is a must-not lose for Rangers. If Celtic win at Ibrox - which hasn’t happened for a while - then it would be a mountain to climb for Rangers.
“There were a massive number of positives to be taken (for Celtic) from that last game. The new players who hadn’t played in the fixture before. It was massive for the manager as well. But it was more the manner of the victory.
“Celtic blew Rangers away. I think these players are starting to gel, know the system and the way the manager wants to play.
“The title is in Celtic’s hands. If they carry on playing the way they are and steam rolling teams then I don’t think there will be any problem in winning the league.
“But Rangers will be doing everything they can to defend their title.”
