An Ange Postecoglou Twist Ahead of Glasgow Derby League Cup Final

The build-up to this season’s Glasgow Derby Cup final has an intriguing twist, with both Celtic and Rangers facing high-stakes European matches just days before they clash at Hampden on 15 December. For Celtic, the road to the final will be a bit more gruelling as they travel to Croatia to take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on matchday six. Rangers, meanwhile, will be at home for their final European tie, but they’ll face none other than ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou and his Tottenham Hotspur side.

It’s a fixture list wrinkle that could play a part in the derby preparations. Celtic’s away fixture in Croatia means added Travel and recovery time, while Rangers have the advantage of staying on home soil. However, facing Ange and his Spurs squad just three days before the final isn’t exactly a relaxing warm-up. The former Celtic manager is well-remembered for his success with the Hoops, and “Ange-ball” could present quite the challenge to Rangers, especially with Tottenham’s current Premier League form. It’s a prospect that may give Rangers a tougher lead-up.

For Celtic, the trip to Zagreb comes amidst a packed December schedule, with European and domestic fixtures piling up in the lead-up to Christmas. The travel demands could stretch the squad, and the Dinamo match will be no casual outing, as every point counts in Europe. Manager Brendan Rodgers will need to juggle his squad carefully to ensure freshness for both competitions, balancing key players’ minutes while maintaining Celtic’s rhythm and intensity.

However, many Celtic fans will argue that these challenges don’t change the equation for the final. Regardless of Travel or opposition, they believe the Hoops have the stronger squad, the tactical edge, and a manager in Rodgers who has delivered in big Games. And while European away days are taxing, they’re also nothing new for Celtic. In their view, as long as the Bhoys turn up at Hampden, they’re more than capable of getting the job done.

But there’s no denying that Rangers will enter the final with a slight logistical advantage. They’ll have home comforts in the build-up and can avoid the wear and tear of international Travel. That said, the Ange factor brings a psychological twist for Rangers. Postecoglou’s Spurs side is playing the kind of intense, attacking Football he brought to Parkhead, and if they bring that energy to Ibrox, it could leave Rangers with plenty to think about ahead of facing Celtic.

Celtic supporters will be hoping that Postecoglou’s Tottenham side does them a favour by running Rangers ragged, making the most of that “Ange-ball” philosophy that kept Celtic dominant in the Scottish Premiership. If Spurs can rattle Rangers and exploit any weaknesses, it could pave the way for the Hoops to capitalise and “pick over the bones” of whatever’s left on derby day.

The timing of Ange’s return to town is quite striking. Three days before, Celtic will fight it out for the League Cup—the first trophy the Australian won with Celtic. Ultimately, with both teams tackling such different but demanding opponents in Europe, the final will be a real test of preparation, resilience, and squad depth.