Former Celtic forward Charlie Nicholas is expecting the Hoops to just edge Rangers in the League Cup final next month, but he believes it will be a tightly contested affair.

Both Old Firm clubs came through their semi-final ties relatively comfortably, and the final is expected to be an even encounter. However, Nicholas believes Celtic’s squad depth could prove to be a decisive factor:

“If I was to have to make a call on it right now I would go Celtic. I would only edge towards them because I think they have more strength in depth.”

“It really is a meeting of two giants. It is also the chance for Steven Gerrard to pick up his first silverware although the league is the prize he really craves.”

Both Celtic and Rangers will play every few days after the international break with Neil Lennon’s side facing Rennes in the Europa League ten days before the final. They also have two league games against Ross County and Hamilton scheduled to take place in the week leading up to the showpiece event at Hampden Park.

With so many games, the Hoops will certainly be looking to chop and change their lineups and, as Nicholas says, that could mean they go into the final with fresher legs.