Martin O’Neill’s shock Kasper Schmeichel decision surely has Rangers sweating ahead of Celtic showdown
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Credit: Imago Martin O’Neill’s shock Kasper Schmeichel decision surely has Rangers sweating ahead of Celtic showdown Fri 27 February 2026 7:45, UK Rangers fans should be fearful after Celtic finally dropped Kasper Schmeichel for Viljami Sinisalo.The two sides face off in a crucial Old Firm derby match on Sunday, with the game having the potential to determine the title.Rangers were perhaps the favourites for the tie, considering it will be hosted at Ibrox, and the fact that the Hoops had to play in the Europa League on Thursday.However, the fact that Schmeichel has now been dropped for Sinisalo should be cause for concern, with there being every chance Martin O’Neill sticks by this decision for the weekend.Read more: Chris Sutton can’t believe what Daizen Maeda did in Celtic’s Europa League exit vs Stuttgart ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBRangers fans will want Kasper Schmeichel in goal for Old Firm derbyIn recent weeks, Schmeichel has been simply awful for Celtic.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES The goalkeeper has made mistake after mistake, with his inability to make a save ultimately costing the Hoops in the Europa League after his dreadful performance in the first leg against Stuttgart.Yet, despite this, O’Neill continued to stick by him until the second leg, with Sinisalo coming into the starting XI.Against Stuttgart, the goalkeeper was fantastic and did little wrong as they kept a clean sheet in Germany.As a result, there is every chance he remains in goal for the Old Firm derby, which could give Rangers a disadvantage. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access Get the full story from Ibrox and Auchenhowie with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.
If Schmeichel returns to the net, there is every chance he would make another horrific mistake and gift the Gers three points.However, this now appears unlikely, with Sinisalo proving that he is more than capable of putting in a good display.Read more: Rangers fans ‘disgusted’ by official club update ahead of Celtic showdownHow good was Viljami Sinisalo vs Stuttgart?According to Fotmob on 26 February, Sinisalo certainly had a great game.The goalkeeper made six saves overall, keeping out a 0.34 xG.On top of this, 66 per cent of his passes found a Celtic man, while he also performed 10 recoveries.Viljami Sinisalo’s stats vs StuttgartMinutes 90Saves 6Goals prevented 0.34Passing accuracy 66%Recoveries 10Sinisalo had a good game against StuttgartFor many of the travelling fans, it will have been a relief to have someone in the net who did not look shaky and void of confidence.Going forward, O’Neill simply has to stick by Sinisalo, as if they bring back Schmeichel, it could cost them the Scottish Premiership title, as well as the Scottish Cup.However, only time will tell if Sinisalo will become the favoured goalkeeper until the end of the campaign, or if the manager was simply resting the Dane for the Old Firm derby. Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Celtic Insider Access Get the full story from Celtic Park and Lennoxtown with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Glasgow.