Celtic vs Rangers Predictions

Celtic vs Rangers predictions, betting tips and match previews for this Scottish League Cup Final. Celtic are slight favourites to edge Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final, with their attacking depth and strong form, though Rangers’ resilience promises a fiercely competitive and closely contested Old Firm derby. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.

Scottish League Cup | Final | Dec 15, 2024 at 3.30pm UK at Ibrox Stadium

Celtic vs Rangers Predictions

Old Firm Derby: Who Will Take Home the First Silverware of the Season?

• Celtic’s Unbeaten Domestic Run: Celtic have gone 30 domestic matches without defeat, showcasing their dominance across the Premiership and cup competitions.
• Kyogo Furuhashi’s Old Firm Record: The striker has scored eight goals against Rangers in his career, including two in the 2023 League Cup final, highlighting his reliability in derby matches.
• Rangers’ Defensive Vulnerabilities: Injuries to key defenders and inconsistent performances against top teams have left Rangers exposed, conceding three goals in their last Premiership clash with Celtic.

Our Tips

The stage is set for one of the most thrilling matchups in Scottish football as Celtic and Rangers meet in the Scottish League Cup final. Both sides come into this high-stakes clash with strong form, and tensions are expected to boil over in what could be a defining moment of the season. For Celtic, this is an opportunity to solidify their dominance in Scottish football, while Rangers are desperate to prove their resurgence is more than just a fleeting upturn.

Celtic, currently flying high, have not tasted defeat in domestic competitions since March. Their imperious run includes a string of victories that sees them sitting comfortably atop the Scottish Premiership, nine points clear of their nearest rivals. On the other hand, Rangers have had a rockier campaign but have shown signs of resilience under Philippe Clement, with a nine-match unbeaten streak across all competitions.

The Bhoys have enjoyed the upper hand in recent Old Firm encounters, including a decisive win in last season’s Scottish Cup final. However, Rangers will take confidence from their improved performances, notably holding Tottenham to a 1-1 draw in their last outing. Will Celtic’s juggernaut roll on, or will Rangers find a way to flip the script?

Best Bet: Celtic -1 to Win

Backing Celtic with a -1 handicap to win appears to be the most solid wager for this final. The Bhoys have been nothing short of dominant this season, boasting an unbeaten streak in their last 30 domestic matches. Rangers, while improving, have struggled against top-tier opposition, losing both of their league clashes with the top two sides this season. Celtic’s ability to turn up in big matches, coupled with Rangers’ defensive vulnerabilities, makes this bet an attractive proposition.

Celtic’s squad depth is a critical factor here. Players like Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi have been pivotal in maintaining their attacking prowess, with Furuhashi proving particularly deadly in Old Firm clashes. His eight career goals against Rangers, including a brace in the 2023 League Cup final, underscore his knack for delivering on the biggest stage. On the defensive front, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty provide a solid backbone, ensuring that Celtic remain tough to break down.

Rangers, on the other hand, face selection headaches. Injuries to key players like Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rabbi Matondo have stretched their squad, while the potential absence of John Souttar further weakens their defence. Although Hamza Igamane has been in scintillating form, scoring five goals in his last five games, he may find himself isolated against a well-organised Celtic backline.

Celtic’s ability to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of matches will likely force Rangers into a reactive approach. While the Gers have shown resilience, their struggles against elite teams suggest they may find it difficult to cope with Celtic’s relentless attacking waves. As Herrin Kendrick from BettingTips4You.com puts it, “Celtic’s consistency and squad strength make them the team to beat. With their recent form and firepower, a win by a comfortable margin is well within their grasp.”

Correct Score Prediction: Celtic 3-0 Rangers

A 3-0 victory for Celtic aligns perfectly with the rationale for backing them with a -1 handicap. The Bhoys’ attacking firepower, coupled with Rangers’ defensive frailties, points towards a commanding performance from the reigning Scottish champions. Celtic have already demonstrated their ability to dismantle sides in crucial matches, as evidenced by their 6-0 thrashing of Aberdeen in the semi-final.

Rangers, despite their recent improvements, have struggled to contain teams with potent attacking threats. Their makeshift defence, likely anchored by Leon Balogun and Robin Propper, could be exposed by Celtic’s dynamic front three of Maeda, Furuhashi, and Kuhn. Additionally, Celtic’s midfield trio of Hatate, McGregor, and Engels provide both creativity and control, ensuring that the Bhoys will dominate proceedings.

While Hamza Igamane has been a bright spark for Rangers, he may struggle to influence the game against a Celtic defence that has conceded sparingly in domestic competition. If Celtic score early, Rangers could find themselves chasing shadows, leaving them vulnerable to further punishment on the counter.

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