Celtic vs. Rangers: Old Firm Derby Set to Decide Premiership Title Race
Celtic and Rangers Gear Up for Season-Defining Old Firm Derby.
The latest instalment of the Old Firm Derby takes place on Saturday at Celtic Park, as the Glasgow rivals lock horns for a crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Scottish Premiership.
While Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is seeking a fifth derby triumph of the season, Rangers head coach Michael Beale needs a victory to keep his side’s slim title hopes alive.
Celtic have won each of their last 15 games across all competitions, including last weekend’s 2-0 win away at Ross County.
A converted penalty from winger Jota and a stunning strike from left-back Alexandro Bernabei ensured the defending champions picked up maximum points for the 28th time in 30 league matches this term.
Postecoglou’s men boast a 9-point advantage over second-placed Rangers with eight games left to play.
Securing just four more wins would see Celtic crowned champions of Scotland.
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The champions have enjoyed playing in front of their home fans this campaign, winning all 15 league games at Celtic Park and scoring 47 goals while conceding only nine.
The Bhoys are in formidable form and unbeaten in their last six Old Firm derbies, giving them the psychological edge over their city rivals.
Rangers have won 10 straight league matches to keep the title race alive, but only victory at Parkhead can realistically sustain their hopes of toppling Celtic from their perch.
Head coach Beale has secured 18 wins from 20 games in charge since replacing Steven Gerrard in November, but both losses came against the champions.
Beale’s men have been strong on their travels this season, winning all eight away league games and scoring 23 goals while conceding seven.
However, Rangers have struggled at Celtic Park, winning only two of their last 16 visits across all competitions while losing 10. They must overcome this psychological barrier to have any chance of championship glory.
Team News
Celtic will be without injured trio Liel Abada, James Forrest and Anthony Ralston but could welcome back Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy. Top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi is expected to lead the line alongside Jota and Daizen Maeda.
Rangers remain without long-term absentees Kemar Roofe, Tom Lawrence, Steven Davis, Filip Helander and Nnamdi Ofoborh but January signing Nicolas Raskin could return from injury to feature in the squad.
Allan McGregor will continue in goal behind James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic in defence.
Beale must choose between Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos to lead the attack, while Malik Tillman, Todd Cantwell and Ryan Kent should start in midfield.
Celtic Vs. Rangers Prediction
We predict: Celtic 1-3 Rangers
While both sides are under immense pressure ahead of this season-defining derby, the onus is on Rangers to deliver and prolong the title race.
The Old Firm derby never fails to disappoint, and we hope that the Gers emerge victorious in a thriller at Celtic Park.