Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has made an instant impression at Ibrox, having taken the reins back in November.
A dozen wins and one draw from 13 matches is a fantastic start to the 42-year-old’s managerial tenure, but his first big test arrives today as he has the chance to claim his first piece of silverware in the Viaplay Cup final.
Old Firm arch-rivals Celtic provide the opposition, so it promises to be a tough encounter, but after Rangers’ performance against the Premiership leaders at the start of January, Beale will take a lot of encouragement going into the tie.
He will need to get his starting XI spot-on though, with everyone required to be on top form to claim a record-extending 28th League Cup victory, and the Rangers boss must unleash Fashion Sakala, especially after his previous Old Firm display.
Will Fashion Sakala start the League Cup final today?
In the traditional New Year derby last month, Sakala was outstanding for the Ibrox side, causing chaos down the right wing, and he was pivotal in both of the Light Blues’ goals in the eventual 2-2 draw.
The winger played one key pass that day while winning the penalty from which James Tavernier scored Rangers’ second goal, while also succeeding with three of his five dribbles during the match.
The forward was lauded by Joshua Barrie following his mazy run to set up Ryan Kent’s equaliser, with the journalist describing it as an “excellent driving run”. Jordan Campbell was also full of praise for the Zambian that day, stating that he “changed the game for Rangers”, and it shows how much he has improved under Beale.
Indeed, since the 42-year-old took over at Ibrox towards the end of 2022, the £8.3k-per-week “firework” – as he was notably dubbed by Alan Hutton – has scored three goals and registered five assists, having only contributed one of each under Giovanni van Bronckhorst earlier in the campaign.
The 25-year-old has been revitalised in recent months and he more than deserves his chance to be the hero in today’s cup final. Rangers haven’t lifted the trophy since a 2-1 victory over Celtic back in 2011, but having won the Premiership title in 2021 and the Scottish Cup last year, could a League Cup triumph now follow suit?
If Beale leads the club to silverware this afternoon, it could just be a catalyst for a hugely successful reign at Ibrox, and Sakala could be the man to inspire the Gers to a cherished victory.
