Match

Celtic in line to make audacious demand and exploit rules for Scottish Cup clash vs Rangers at Ibrox

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Rangers are set to play host to arch-rivals Celtic in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox on 7 March.

The Gers made it to the final eight after mauling Queen’s Park 8-0 in the Round of 16.

Celtic, on the other hand, nearly got knocked out of the Scottish Cup and had to score a late goal and another in extra time to beat Dundee 2-1.

Danny Rohl ahead of a Rangers game.
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images

Celtic could look to take advantage of Scottish Cup seating rules

Away fan allocation at Ibrox and Parkhead has been a contentious issue over the last few years.

Due to the chaos on matchdays, there was a series of games in which away fans were not allowed at Old Firm games.

However, things have been relaxed recently after plenty of top-level discussions to ensure that there is no hooliganism and/or brawls between the two sets of fans.

Ahead of the Old Firm game in January at Parkhead, which Rangers won 3-1, visiting fans were told to arrive up to two hours before kick-off.

Rangers fans waving flags.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images

The Scottish Cup has an interesting rule with regard to away fans, and Celtic could look to take advantage of it.

According to rule 29.1, the away club have the right to claim up to 20 per cent of the seating capacity for their fans.

This means that the Hoops are entitled to claim 10,340 seats for their supporters, subject to approval from the authorities.

Rangers fans with a tifo.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

How Rangers will prepare for two back-to-back Old Firm games

Danny Rohl will be aware that the two Old Firm derbies on 1 and 7 March could be season-defining games for his side.

He has done a good job since he took over from Russell Martin, but there is no tangible proof of that so far.

The German has focused a lot on the mindset of his players, and that could be something he talks a lot about in the build-up to the games.

The Gers showed tremendous intensity and willingness to fight for the jersey when the two teams met in January, and these two matches would build on that performance.

Post January, Rangers are in a stronger position and look to have a squad ready to beat Celtic twice in a week and also win the title.