Sarrachi and Balikwisha tipped for quick fire Celtic debuts

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The Celtic Star

·31 August 2025

Sarrachi and Balikwisha tipped for quick fire Celtic debuts

Sarrachi and Balikwisha tipped for quick fire Celtic debuts…

Marcelo Saracchi of Boca Juniors controls the ball during a Copa de la Liga Profesional 2024 match between Newell’s Old Boys and Boca Juniors at Marcelo Bielsa Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Rosario, Argentina. (Photo by Luciano Bisbal/Getty Images)

New Celtic signings Marcelo Saracchi and Michel–Ange Balikwisha are tipped to make quick fire debuts in this afternoon’s Glasgow derby clash at Ibrox.

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Balikwisha was hotly tipped to start in any case due to our lacklustre attacking options, but in the case of Saracchi it comes as quite a surprise to see him in contention due to his lack of game time in the past few months.

Royal Antwerp FC v OH Leuven – Jupiler Pro League DEURNE, BELGIUM – AUGUST 10 : Balikwisha Michel-Ange forward of Royal Antwerp FC celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the Jupiler Pro League match between Royal Antwerp FC and OH Leuven on August 10, 2025 in Deurne, Belgium, 10/08/2025 Deurne Belgium Photo: Gvg/ IMAGO

Brendan however must reckon he’s ready, and I would imagine if he’s going to start, he will be filling in at right back as Kieran Tierney is a sure fire starter on the left hand side.

Saracchi is versatile and can adapt to the right hand side despite being naturally left footed, not forgetting the experience he boasts in powder keg fixtures in South America, so if he does indeed play the atmosphere will be water off a ducks back to the Uruguayan international.

Antwerp’s Michel Ange Balikwisha celebrates after scoring during the match between Royal Antwerp FC and OH Leuven, Sunday 10 August 2025 in Antwerp, on day 3 of the 2025-2026 Jupiler Pro League first division of the Belgian championship. Photo Tom Goyvaerts IMAGO / Belga

In the case of Balikwisha, he has no such worries in the match practice department as he’s had a full pre season and took part in Antwerp’s opening fixtures of the campaign, so he will be raring to go which can only be a bonus.

If both do start as expected, it certainly will be the proverbial baptism of fire.

Will theRangers only turn up because they’re playing Celtic?

The Bears accused the Dons of only ‘playing four times a season’ we can accuse them of the exact same thing. Something we need to be wary of this afternoon. There’s a well held belief over Ibrox way that Aberdeen only play their best in four games each season, and that of course is against the blue half of Glasgow.

Brendan Rodgers arrives at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The SMSM, pundits, Ibrox supporters, and almost everyone reckon that the Dons up their game and cover every blade of grass when they were pitted against the latest Ibrox outfit a long held belief even in the days of Rangers FC (1872-2012).

Ironically that is what theRangers now find themselves doing with Celtic currently as they seem to grow inches taller when a hooped jersey comes into their eye line. Just don’t expect it to be mentioned in the media.

Last season was a prime example of the blue half of Glasgow’s attitude when they came up against the champions. Time and time again they failed to overcome some of the so called ‘lesser’ sides in the league, but when pitted against Celtic their attitude changed completely as they put in a never say die performance and looked every inch a competent side.

Callum McGregor at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Today we will have to be wary of a similar attitude from a side who have failed to win any of their opening three league fixtures and lost nine goals against Club Brugge in their Champions League playoff.

Brendan Rodgers before this year enjoyed a proud record against theRangers so he’ll be anxious to restore normal service today.

Get right into them Celtic.

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