Rangers icon Brian Laudrup is convinced Rangers can edge a title war of attrition and leave champions Celtic reeling.
But that view isn't shared by former Parkhead star Kris Commons who believes it will be Ange Postecoglou's men who are once again toasting trophy success next May. The great rivals are primed to lock horns once more ahead of the new Scottish Premiership with both aiming to come out on top. Rangers thrilled en route to the Europa League Final but boss Gio Van Bronckhorst knows it's vital to come out on top domestically while retaining ambitions on the continent.
The Danish wing king told the Daily Mail : "I have to say Rangers. I think it's going to be so close, a brilliant clash with Celtic, but I do feel Gio van Bronckhorst is now shaping a team in his own style and we'll see that this season. They have some momentum after the positive way last season finished, lifting the Scottish Cup after coming so close in the Europa League. The dynamic in Old Firm games also altered and I think Rangers can edge it this time."
But Commons can't see past the men from Glasgow's east end and is convinced Postecoglou's side possess extra firepower which the Europa League finalists cannot match. He added: "Celtic. When it all clicks and they hit top gear, the style of football they play is absolutely frightening. They blew the rest of the league away during the second half of last season when they went on an amazing run to clinch the title.
"They have a consistency and an understanding of the system that Ange Postecoglou wants to play. It's so fluid and so good to watch. I just don't really see enough goals or firepower in this Rangers team to convince me that they can overturn things from last season."
Commons is a major admirer of the job Postecoglou has done at his former club but knows now is the time to make significant inroads on the continent. And he hopes Celtic and the rest of Scottish football can make some noise in European football this season.
He said; "Celtic were disappointing in Europe last season, so that's the one box that Ange Postecoglou still needs to tick as he leads the club into the Champions League group stage. It all depends on what sort of draw they get. But, at the very least, they should be looking to finish third in their group in order to secure Europa League football beyond Christmas.
"Rangers will hope to join Celtic in the Champions League and I believe they can do so. As for Hearts, Motherwell and Dundee United, it's just about trying to give a good account of themselves."
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