Prediction: Celtic vs Rangers

Prediction: Celtic win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365

The Scottish Premier League is back in action this weekend and while many of the games are likely going to be pretty entertaining, there’s no denying what the main attraction is going to be: Celtic vs Rangers in the Old Firm derby. It’s the match that everyone looks forward to in Glasgow when it comes to the beautiful game, and that’s going to be the case again this weekend. Plus, with the added incentive of Rodgers vs Gerrard, even more eyes will be on this one than ever before.

Celtic

Under Brendan Rodgers, it’s clear to see that Celtic have firmly established themselves as the best team in Scottish football. While they’ve still got some way to go when it comes to translating that over into European competition, their fans will be pretty satisfied so long as they maintain their consistency in the league. They’ve got the best squad in the division by quite a distance, so for this game, it’s just a case of blocking out the emotion of it all and playing like they know how.

Team News

The loss of Moussa Dembele is going to hurt the club, but for this game, Odsonne Edouard will be hoping to return from injury. Filip Benkovic and Youssouf Mulumbu could well start, although there are still a handful of injuries in Celtic’s ranks.

Rangers

Rangers are steadily building something with Steven Gerrard at the helm, and it feels like people are starting to realise that. They’re a gritty team that often have to scratch and claw in order to gain the respect of the teams they’re playing, and in terms of the bigger picture, it’ll obviously take a while before they’re taken seriously in the realms of European football. Still, this game serves as a big moment for them as they attempt to make a real statement against their biggest rivals.

Team News

Borna Barisic will likely start this one for Rangers, who have no new injury concerns to worry about. Lassana Coulibaly is still out.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Celtic Park.
• Rangers lead 159-155 in the all-time head to head standings, with 99 draws between the two teams.
• In their last meeting back in April, Celtic defeated Rangers 5-0.
• Celtic have won two and lost one of their Scottish Premier League games this season.
• Rangers have won one and drawn two of their Scottish Premier League games this season.

Conclusion

The emotion of the Old Firm derby can often threaten to make for quite a scrappy game, but we actually think that we’re going to see some good football from both sides this weekend – especially in the early stages. Celtic are the clear favourites but Gerrard will be eager to make a real statement, although it does feel like the home side will just have too much quality for them. It’ll be close, but we can see Celtic edging out a narrow yet entertaining 2-1 victory.

Prediction: Celtic win

Best Odds: 8/13

Bookmaker: bet365