Rangers vs Celtic – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Celtic and Rangers renew hostilities in the Old Firm derby as they meet at Ibrox Stadium in the Scottish Premiership. Both sides will look to establish early-season supremacy in what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.

Celtic vs Rangers – Match Preview and Team News

Rangers Team News

Rangers are preparing for the intense Old Firm clash after a tough start to the season and a humiliating 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers.

Manager Russell Martin faces pressure, but has named a squad showing some glimmers of optimism. Cyriel Dessers is expected to return after recovering from a knee injury, boosting their attacking options. However, Hamza Igamane has left the club following a transfer to Lille. Defender Dujon Sterling remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. New recruit Jay Meghoma is available and could provide reinforcement.

Captain James Tavernier continues to lead the side, though the squad’s defensive issues persist and the team has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.

Celtic Team News

Celtic approach the fixture as Scottish Premiership leaders but on the back of a disappointing Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty on penalties, with significant areas needing reinforcement. Manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledged frustration at the squad’s depth, especially in attacking positions following the departure of talisman Kyogo Furuhashi in January and winger Nicolas Kuhn earlier this month.

Jota faces a lengthy injury layoff, increasing reliance on Adam Idah, who is yet to open his scoring account this season. The club is anticipating arrivals of new signings to bolster the squad before the transfer deadline. Rodgers has reassured supporters of his commitment, stressing that Celtic still aim for a very good season and a strong showing in the Old Firm derby.

Form

Rangers

After European disappointment in which they not only lost both legs but conceded nine goals, Rangers have struggled domestically as well, currently sitting 7th in the Premiership after three consecutive draws. Their recent form highlights defensive vulnerabilities despite an ability to score, making the upcoming derby a crucial test of resilience and tactical adjustments.

Celtic

Celtic continue to top the Scottish Premiership with a slightly stronger recent performance record, demonstrating more consistency in their defensive solidity and goal-scoring capabilities, though their European setbacks have cast a shadow over their continental ambitions as they lost against the Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty on penalties.

Predicted Lineups

Rangers: Butland; Aarons, Djiga, Souttar, Tavernier; Diomande, Rothwell, Cameron; Antman, Danilo, Gassama.

Celtic: Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Nygren, Idah, Maeda.

How to Watch Rangers vs Celtic?

Fans in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.

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