'Form and favouritism out the window' - Thomson

Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson insists there isn't much between the Ibrox side and their city rivals despite Celtic's Old Firm dominance this term.

The sides meet for the fifth time this season in Saturday's Scottish Cup final, with Celtic having won three and drawn one of the previous four encounters.

But Thomson expects a game of fine margins, with "form and favouritism" out the window in the Hampden showdown.

"I think Celtic have rightly deserved to win the league. They've been the most consistent team," the ex-Scotland international told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"But I think even if there's a bigger gap and one team's more dominant, you can be miles in front and these games are still really difficult.

"Both teams are fighting for doubles. I don't think there's loads between them. I think if the top players in either team turn up on the day, it can be the difference.

"It'll be an edgy affair. I can see it being quite a tight game, but listen, there's no doubt Celtic are favourites.

"They've been the best team over the course. Rangers have struggled to get on top of them, butthe form and favouritism kind of goes out the window for these games.

"It's who turns up on the day, might be cliche, but they're such difficult games to win and when you do get your nose in front, there are always quite precious moments in these games."