Celtic and Rangers Battle for Final Premier Sports Cup Semi-Final Spot
Hearts, Hibernian and Aberdeen have secured their Hampden Park places, leaving Celtic and Rangers to decide the final Premier Sports Cup semi-final berth at Ibrox on Sunday.
Old Firm tie completes Hampden line-up
The quarter-final is a straight knockout contest, with the semi-final draw set to be made as soon as the derby ends. The winner will join Hearts, Hibernian and an Aberdeen side that progressed despite finishing with 10 men.
- Celtic travel to Ibrox for Sunday’s quarter-final.
- The semi-finals are scheduled for late October at Hampden Park.
- No Celtic supporters will be allowed into the stadium following an SPFL decision.
- Rangers are expected to have around 50,000 home fans behind them.
Nygren ready for hostile Ibrox atmosphere
Benjamin Nygren says the lack of an away following will not distract Celtic from their plan. The Sweden international is preparing to play in front of a fully partisan Ibrox crowd and believes the intensity can provide added drive rather than a setback.
“I have always enjoyed noisy stadiums, whether I am playing at home or away,” Nygren said. “I take that atmosphere as energy. We must concentrate on the match and allow our supporters to celebrate somewhere else.”
The 25-year-old wants his first goal in an Old Firm fixture, but says the result matters more than adding another personal landmark.
“Naturally, it would mean a lot, but it is not my main focus,” he said. “I want to make chances for my team-mates. If I get an assist and we win, I am equally pleased.”
Celtic carry form and cup record into derby
Nygren arrives in sharp form, with five goals and six assists from nine appearances in all competitions this season. He has scored 26 times for Celtic overall but is still waiting for a maiden strike against Rangers.
- Celtic have won each of their six Scottish Premiership games this term.
- The Hoops have also beaten Rangers in their last six League Cup meetings.
- Nygren believes Celtic’s continued tactical work can make the difference at Ibrox.
What happens next is simple: Celtic need one derby win to reach Hampden, while Rangers can deny their rivals and take the last place in the semi-final draw.
