Derby Performances and Outcomes: A Salutary Lesson

As The Rangers continue to over-perform in Europe and under-perform in Scotland, the dichotomy is that Celtic becomes a preferred opponent.

We often discuss the difference between outcomes and performance. Indeed, it is probably the by line for the Huddle Breakdown offerings!

As we look forward to the derby at the weekend, this is, once again, extremely germane.

Serial Champions Celtic has won two Cup Finals against their rivals as well as last season’s league title since Brendan Rodgers returned.

Over the last two seasons, Celtic has won five, drawn two (one won on penalties and the other lost on morals) and lost only one.

If we take that as our sample, given the opposition was led by Phillipe Clement for that duration and it is the same set of players now. It is a consistent set of matches to analyse.

Those outcomes suggest that Celtic are highly dominant and, as the bookies have it, they are heavy favourites again for Sunday.

But…………..