Jamie Carragher and Alan Shearer agree on the same scoreline for Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz, but disagree on the scoreline for Brann vs Rangers
Football pundits Jamie Carragher and Alan Shearer are in rare agreement ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash with SK Sturm Graz, both predicting a 2–1 victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side. However, when it comes to Rangers’ showdown with Brann, the former Premier League icons find themselves firmly on opposite sides of the debate.
Carragher, known for his sharp tactical analysis, expects Rangers to struggle under new head coach Danny Röhl, forecasting a 2–0 defeat in Norway. The former Liverpool defender believes Röhl, who only recently took charge at Ibrox, is still in the early stages of shaping his team’s identity.
“It’s a really tricky fixture for Rangers,” Carragher told Sky Sports Football Show. “Danny Röhl is clearly a bright coach he’s got energy, ideas, and ambition but you can see the team hasn’t fully adapted to his system yet. Brann are organised, quick on the counter, and they’ll test Rangers defensively. I think it might be a step too soon for them to get a result away from home.”
Carragher pointed to Rangers’ defensive lapses and inconsistent midfield play as areas Röhl will need to tighten quickly. The German manager, who has previously worked under elite coaches like Hansi Flick and Ralph Hasenhüttl, has already introduced a more aggressive pressing style but Carragher feels the squad is still adjusting.
“You can see what Röhl wants to build high energy, intensity, pressing from the front,” Carragher added. “But that kind of football takes time to perfect. Right now, the players look like they’re thinking too much instead of playing naturally. Brann will capitalise on that.”
In contrast, Alan Shearer struck a much more positive tone. The former England captain believes Röhl’s arrival could spark a reaction from Rangers, predicting a 3–2 victory in an open and entertaining contest.
“I actually fancy Rangers to edge it,” Shearer said. “Danny Röhl’s come in with fresh ideas, and sometimes that new energy can lift a squad straight away. Yes, they’re still learning his style, but there’s real quality in that Rangers attack. I think they’ll score goals enough to win it.”
Shearer highlighted the importance of Rangers’ attacking trio, suggesting that pace and creativity out wide could unsettle Brann’s defence.
“If Rangers can start fast and take their chances, they’ve got every opportunity,” Shearer continued. “Brann are solid, but I can see Rangers nicking it late on.”
While the pair couldn’t agree on Rangers’ fate, they were fully aligned on Celtic’s chances. Both Carragher and Shearer expect Celtic to secure a 2–1 win over SK Sturm Graz, praising the team’s blend of discipline and attacking flair under Brendan Rodgers.
Carragher praised Celtic’s midfield control and defensive structure, describing them as “confident and composed” after a string of domestic wins. Shearer echoed that sentiment, noting that Celtic’s European experience should give them the edge.
“Celtic are playing really good football right now,” Shearer said. “They’ve got balance, energy, and goals in them. Rodgers has found a nice rhythm I can’t see Sturm Graz keeping them quiet for 90 minutes.”
Carragher, though supportive of Celtic’s form, offered a small word of caution.
“They’re favourites, no doubt, but European game are always tricky,” he warned. “If they manage the game well, they’ll get the 2–1 win.”
As Scotland’s two biggest clubs prepare for key European fixtures, the contrasting predictions from Carragher and Shearer reflect the current mood in Glasgow: Celtic steady and confident, Rangers still a work in progress under Röhl’s guidance.
