The Betfred Cup semi-final dates immediately became a hot topic after the quarter-final fixtures concluded last night.
For Aberdeen and Hearts, they don’t have anything to worry about. They aren’t in Europe and will have a free run at their respective fixtures against Rangers and Celtic respectively.
Yet, for the Old Firm, it isn’t exactly as plain-sailing for either of them. Both Rangers and Celtic will head into their semi-final clashes potentially just two days after draining Europa League matches.
It’s a scenario that would put both sides at a disadvantage against top domestic opposition.
Steven Gerrard has since come out and slammed the potential scheduling for the fixtures, and encouraged discussions for it to be sorted out. Speaking in the Scotsman after his impressive Rangers side dismantled Ayr United 4-0 at Ibrox, Gerrard said the following:
“Listen, whoever has to do that, it’s not fair on any team, having played on the Thursday night. I’ll be interested to see the outcome, how they decide. All the best with that one. We’ll deal with that when we have to.
“I’m not sure how they will select who plays when or what the rules are. Whoever has to do it, it won’t be fair as 48 hours is not enough.”
“It’s not enough”
Any sane football-minded person couldn’t disagree with this. Allowing just 48 hours of rest before a game of crucial importance is simply maddening.
Rangers would be playing host to Spartak Moscow on the previous Thursday night, in what’ll be a must-win game. There’s no getting away from it – regardless of what happens at home to Rapid Vienna, Rangers will need to beat Spartak.
It will be a high-energy and high-tempo affair, and should take a lot out of the players. Granted, Rangers now have the squad to challenge on all fronts. They can rest several key first-team stars and still have a seriously strong line-up.
Changing an entire team in the space of two days when chemistry is still being built, however, would be criminal. The scheduling highly favours the likes of Aberdeen, who’ll be hungry to perform better than they did in the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie on opening day.
Considering the team will also have to train ahead of the Befred Cup semi-final, you’re talking one day off if Rangers are lucky.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen will have a full week to prepare and to get the lowdown on Rangers. Derek McInnes will have his side fired up for the contest, whilst Gerrard’s side would barely have any prep time.
Something should and will no doubt be done about the scheduling. If it isn’t, then expect Rangers and even Celtic to take this matter further.
