The highly anticipated Old Firm derby takes place at Parkhead as reigning champions Celtic square off against arch-rivals Rangers.
With just five points between them at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, both sides are eager to claim a crucial victory.
Match Preview
Celtic had a rocky start earlier this month but managed to revive their title challenge with consecutive wins against Livingston and Dundee, scoring a total of five goals in both matches.
Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s performance against Dundee, highlighting their dominant display with 38 attempts on goal and 74% possession.
On the other hand, Rangers, under manager Philippe Clement, are unbeaten in 16 games since his arrival.
Their recent string of victories includes a Scottish League Cup triumph and back-to-back 2-0 wins in the Premiership against St Johnstone and Motherwell.
While Rangers have been in superb form, their away record is particularly impressive, having won seven and drawn one of their last eight league away games, conceding just two goals in the process.
Both sides understand the significance of this fixture, as a win for Celtic would extend their lead at the top, while preventing Rangers from catching up even with their games in hand.
In their previous encounter at Ibrox, Celtic secured a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi’s first-half strike. However, Rangers have only managed one win in their last 11 Old Firm derbies.
Team News
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers is a doubt due to a hamstring issue, while Liel Abada, Reo Hatate, James McCarthy, and Tomoki Iwata are not expected to return from injuries until the New Year.
Rangers’ Connor Goldson faces a late fitness test for a groin problem, while several players including Steven Davis, Kemar Roofe, and Borna Barisic are sidelined due to injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Celtic: (4-3-3)
Hart;
A. Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor;
O’Riley, McGregor, Bernardo;
Maeda, Furuhashi, Palma
Rangers: (4-3-3)
Butland;
Tavernier, Souttar, Balogun, Yilmaz;
Dowell, Sterling, Cantwell;
McCausland, Dessers, Sima
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers
Expect an intense and closely contested match, as Celtic narrowly edges past Rangers in what could be another thrilling Old Firm derby.
Both teams are aware of the significance of avoiding defeat, but Celtic’s recent track record in these encounters may give them the slight edge in front of their passionate home crowd at Parkhead.
