WHISPER it, but Celtic are approaching crisis time after the initial Ange Postecoglou optimism disappeared quicker than shrimps on a barbie.
But their disappointing start to the season would pale into insignificance if they were to somehow get eliminated by Raith Rovers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie at Parkhead.
Another defeat at Livingston at the weekend underlined Celtic's fragility and Kirkcaldy's finest will relish a free hit at the Hoops, even though scandalously, they aren't allowed any fans in Glasgow.
By quite some distance, Celtic's best work has come in the east end of the city this season, but the loss of star man Kyogo Furuhashi appears to have completely knocked them off their stride.
Rovers are absolutely no mugs either as Aberdeen supporters can tell Celtic. They looked down and out at half time of their tie at Stark's Park against the Dons only to mount a brilliant second half recovery and claim a deserved victory.
A repeat of the 1994 League Cup Final where Raith famously won it on penalties at Ibrox, would put the Australian boss in a perilous position, but surely it won't come to that… won't it?….
How the bookies view it
A mismatch. Celtic can be backed at a best-priced 1/10 with 10Bet and there won't be many takers for that!
Rovers are as big as 33/1 with Paddy Power. The draw is 10/1 with bet365. The double chance for Raith is 13/2 with McBookie.com.
Recent head to heads
A far-superior Celtic team beat Raith 2-0 in the same competition in 2015 and Celtic have predictably won the last four ties between the clubs.
But Raith will always have 1994 and here's the final at Ibrox below.
Players to watch
There's some really dismal odds-on prices for Celtic players to score and, for a splash of value, defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has already scored and is 13/2 to net anytime on Thursday with McBookie.
The same firm has Dario Zanatta – who netted Raith's winner on Saturday at Morton – at 19/4 to score at Parkhead.
Anything else catch the eye?
You'd need to be certifiable to back Celtic at those prohibitive odds at the moment and the obvious call is the Hoops to win and Rovers to score at 7/4 with bet365.
Rovers haven't conceded more than one goal all season, apart from a crazy 4-4 draw with Hamilton and they have played Premiership Aberdeen and Livingston. They are well organised under John McGlynn – a former Celtic scout and can avoid a hammering.
The 12/5 with Betfred with a two-goal start on the handicap looks terrific value, as long as they are not caught in a Celtic backlash.
The 13/10 with McBookie for Raith to score has to have a chance too.
This Scottish League Cup match between Celtic and Raith Rovers will be played on Sep 23, 2021 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Raith Rovers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
