Both Rangers and Celtic are looking to claim the first silverware of the Scottish football campaign with the Viaplay Cup up for grabs at Hampden on Sunday.
With Michael Beale boasting an unbeaten run since stepping into the Ibrox hot seat and Ange Postecoglou steering the Hoops nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, it looks set to be a blockbuster League Cup final at the national stadium, with former Rangers and Celtic players lining up to give their takes ahead of the game. It's set to be a close clash with bookmakers making holders Celtic the narrow favourites, but there doesn't appear to be a lot between the two in form sides in Scotland.
But will the trophy return to Celtic Park, or can Beale claim his first trophy since stepping into the Ibrox hot seat? Record Sport takes a look at what pundits from across the country are saying about the big game.
Chris Sutton
Chris Sutton has been in the headlines for his war of words with Michael Beale, but the pundit did confess that a close battle is on the cards at Hampden. However, he reckons Rangers will come up just short against the holders. Speaking on the Record Celtic podcast, Sutton said: "I think it will be really close and I am really looking forward to the game. I think Celtic will win the game 2-1, in normal time."
Rangers 1 Celtic 2
Barry Ferguson
It's set to be an entertaining clash but Barry Ferguson reckons the game could be an all-time classic. The former Ibrox skipper reckons a high-scoring game is on the cards - with James Tavernier lifting the trophy after extra time. He told the Go Radio Football Show: "I think it will go to extra time. You might think I am crazy, but I think it could be 2-2 or 3-3, something like that. I think there is goals in both teams. I think one will win in extra-time, and I've got to go with Rangers."
Rangers 4 Celtic 3
John Hartson
The former Celtic hero admitted he has been impressed by Rangers unbeaten run under Michael Beale, but still gave the edge to Ange Postecoglou's relentless side. The Welshman said: "I think Celtic in 90 minutes. I think in the form that they are in, and I know Rangers have been winning as well, but if Celtic play at their very, very best I think they will have too much. I think 2-0 or something like that."
Rangers 0 Celtic 2
Ally McCoist
The Rangers hero gave Celtic their due when discussing the Viaplay Cup final on talkSPORT with host Alan Brazil and former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. However, he couldn't resist backing his former side with a smirk on air. McCoist said: "I am looking at Celtic, they are different class in wide areas, solid defensively and they can score goals... so 2-0 Rangers."
Rangers 2 Celtic 0
Neil Lennon
Unsurprisingly, former Celtic player and boss Neil Lennon disagreed with McCoist during the cheeky on air spat. He gave Ange Postecoglou's side a rave review as they look to lift the first silverware of the campaign. He tipped them to secure a comfortable margin of victory in Mount Florida, saying: "Psychologically if Celtic win it will totally deflate Rangers. But if Rangers win it will give them a big lift until the end of the season. I think Celtic will win 2-1 or 3-1 - I think both teams will score. But they're playing so well, they can score from so many areas. I really like the mentality of this team and they are so fluid."
Rangers 1 Celtic 3
Jamie O'Hara
The former Tottenham midfielder hasn't been shy when it comes to voicing his opinions about Scottish football, and with the Viaplay Cup final it has been no different. He reckons Ibrox hero Ryan Kent will be the man to make the difference on the day, stating to Grosvenor Sport: “I can’t wait to watch it, it’s a massive one, and I’m going to go with Rangers. Rangers to win it in extra-time, how about that? Ryan Kent scores, it will be 1-1, and then Ryan Kent bags the winner.”
Rangers 2 Celtic 1
Kenny Miller
Kenny Miller is in the unique position having crossed the Glasgow divide, but couldn't hide his Rangers allegiance when appearing on Open Goal. Host Si Ferry put the former Scotland striker on the spot and he reckons the blue side of Glasgow will be celebrating after the full-time whistle. Miller said: "I think it will be 1-1 at the end of the 90 minutes and then Rangers will win 2-1 in extra time."
Rangers 2 Celtic 1
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