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IF I was still a Celtic player I’d think this isn’t just about winning. It’s about smashing Rangers all over Hampden.

I’m not talking about kicking people. It’s about proving you are the top dogs, showing you are miles better and that there is a huge gulf between the teams.

As the game has got closer, talk has increased of a tight contest.

More than one individual has been calling it a 50-50 game. I just don’t see that.

It will only be a 50-50 game if Celtic don’t turn up. If they give one of their better performances they should wipe the floor with Rangers.

That should be burning motivation for the Celtic players, who have had a week of people telling them that a team from a league below are every bit as good as them and ready to beat them.

The big questions for the Celtic fans are who should do the job and how should they go about it?

(Image: Alan Harvey/SNS Group)

Four of the back five pick themselves. Craig Gordon is the No.1, Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig are the full-backs and I’d have Charlie Mulgrew at centre-back.

He’s composed, calm and also gives left-sided balance.

Beside him, I’d go for Dedryck Boyata. He has a mistake in him but he’s also got pace which is an asset on a big pitch such as Hampden.

Erik Sviatchenko gets dragged around too much and Boyata’s a better bet so long as he doesn’t try to pass from the back.

Nit Bitton and Scott Brown are certs for holding midfield roles. And Leigh Griffiths must go in attack – where he will look to get at Danny Wilson and Rob Kiernan and can kill them for pace – so it’s about the three in behind.

Patrick Roberts will start, surely. He’s a talent but needs to be less predictable. Lee Wallace has been Rangers’ best player this season and is experienced, clever and strong.

Roberts is full of tricks and has talent but he always drives inside and needs to set Wallace up by going outside him a couple of times.

That’s a key battle and it’s the same on the other side. James Tavernier has done really well in the Championship but he’s never been properly tested defensively. Wide players haven’t got at him. With respect, he ended up in the

Championship for a reason.

Celtic have a problem on the left. I don’t see Gary Mackay-Steven as a real big-game player but you want someone who is quick and can go at the Rangers right-back to try to find him out. GMS might be best suited.

The No.10 is a key position. Kris Commons is the best at Celtic for that role but he hasn’t played enough and isn’t at his best.

You’d prefer to go with someone in better form and have to consider Tom Rogic. Many would pick Stefan Johansen and Deila might go for him as he has the legs to get back and join Brown and Bitton when Rangers have the ball but can also get up to help Griffiths when Celtic attack.

I’d gamble and go for Commons. If you want someone to win a game, to find the key pass or magical finish from 20 yards, he’s your man.

Now for tactics and Deila can’t be sure how Rangers will play. If I were Mark Warburton I’d model my team on the likes of Molde.

It’s not rocket science how Celtic play and Deila never changes, even though he should at times. Rangers’ best chance might be to go positive and exploit Celtic’s vulnerable

backline but that carries risk.

(Image: SNS Group)

There has been a lot of talk after Rangers demolished Peterhead. Yes, Peterhead! The question is whether Warburton’s team follow a more defensive gameplan or play with the freedom they have in the league.

No doubt, they’ve been effective in the second tier. Wes Foderingham has looked competent, Tavernier and Wallace have been great going forward but not tested defensively.

The centre-halves can’t run. A high line spells trouble and even in the Championship they have been exploited. They have a neat and tidy midfield trio but surely if Brown and Co bring their A game they’ll trample them. Kenny Miller’s experience should not be underestimated and Celtic need to be watchful of Barrie McKay’s trickery.

But in reality it is a mismatch player-wise if Celtic turn up.

A year ago it wasn’t a contest. This time Celtic’s regression has led to Rangers having a fighting chance.

But Celtic shouldn’t allow this game to be close. If I was in that Celtic dressing room I’d have lapped up this week listening to the talk, keeping my counsel and preparing to slam Rangers back in their place.

Celtic need to win and do it in style. Yes, Rangers won a Second Division and Petrol Tank Cup but it is time for Celtic to show their rivals they can’t compete now and won’t next season either.