Rangers vs Celtic predictions for the Old Firm showdown. Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox in a crucial Old Firm derby on Sunday, with the match poised to have significant implications on the title race. Despite being second, Rangers have an edge, although Celtic have won both season encounters. Read on for our free betting tips and match previews.
Scottish Premiership | Gameweek 32 – Apr 7, 2024 at 12pm UK time at Ibrox Stadium
Rangers vs Celtic Predictions
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Clash of Titans: An Old Firm Derby That Could Shape the Premiership
Key Stats
– Rangers’ Derby Dilemma: Rangers have managed just one win in their last nine Old Firm derbies, underscoring the challenge they face in overturning recent form.
– Celtic’s Scoring Streak: Celtic have dropped points in only seven of their games in 2024, highlighting their consistency in front of goal even amidst occasional stumbles.
– Tavernier’s Historic Feat: James Tavernier, with 131 league goals, stands as the top-scoring defender in British football history, a testament to Rangers’ attacking threat from all areas of the pitch.
The impending Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox isn’t just another chapter in their storied rivalry; it’s a potentially season-defining clash that could very well dictate the Scottish Premiership title race.
With Celtic narrowly leading the table and Rangers breathing down their necks with a game in hand, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams have had their share of ups and downs this season, making this one of the most unpredictable and fascinating title races in recent memory.
The Setting Stage
This season, both Celtic and Rangers have shown vulnerabilities that were less apparent in previous campaigns, with dropped points adding an extra layer of suspense to the title chase. Rangers, under Philippe Clement, have an opportunity to seize control of the title race with a win against their arch-rivals and another in their game in hand against Dundee. Celtic, however, will be keen to extend their slender lead and capitalise on Rangers’ recent struggles in Old Firm derbies.
Tactical Battles and Key Players
The tactical duel between Clement and Brendan Rodgers will be intriguing, given Rodgers’ impressive record in this fixture and his ability to get the best out of his players in crucial moments. Rangers’ James Tavernier, with his record-breaking goal-scoring feats from the back, represents a significant threat from all areas of the pitch, while Celtic’s returnees, Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers, add strength and depth to their lineup.
Rangers’ possible lineup suggests a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, with Abdallah Sima potentially providing a fresh impetus up front. Celtic’s lineup, bolstered by the return of key players from injuries, looks equally formidable, with Nicolas Kuhn’s recent form indicating he could be a decisive factor.
Analytical Insights and Predictions
Both teams have demonstrated an ability to score and concede, suggesting that the midfield battle, particularly the duel between Rangers’ Lundstram and Celtic’s McGregor, could be pivotal. The game is expected to be tightly contested, with moments of individual brilliance possibly making the difference.
Predictions
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score
In a fixture as combustible as the Old Firm derby, where emotions and stakes run high, the attacking intent of both teams cannot be understated. Rangers and Celtic have demonstrated throughout the season an ability to score goals against the run of play and from a variety of situations. Rangers, with their home advantage and urgent need to reclaim dominance in this historic rivalry, are expected to press forward, leveraging James Tavernier’s unparalleled prowess from set pieces and open play.
On the flip side, Celtic, under the tactical acumen of Brendan Rodgers, possess the guile and speed in attack to exploit any spaces left by a pressing Rangers side. Given the defensive vulnerabilities both teams have shown — Rangers in adapting to high-pressure games and Celtic’s occasional lapses in concentration — it stands to reason that both teams are likely to score, making this the most solid bet for the match.
Correct Score Prediction: Rangers 2-2 Celtic
Predicting a 2-2 draw in an Old Firm derby reflects not only the evenly matched nature of these squads but also the sheer unpredictability that this fixture traditionally brings. Rangers, aiming to overturn their recent poor record in this fixture, are likely to come out swinging, utilising their dynamic attack to put Celtic on the back foot early.
However, Celtic’s resilience and knack for scoring under pressure, particularly in high-stakes matches, should see them respond in kind. With both teams showing a tendency to concede while also being prolific in front of goal, a draw with both sides finding the net multiple times is a plausible outcome, embodying the fiercely competitive spirit of this rivalry.
Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi to Score
Kyogo Furuhashi’s predilection for scoring in crucial matches, especially against Rangers, positions him as a likely candidate to find the back of the net once again. Furuhashi’s agility, coupled with his clinical finishing, makes him a constant threat to a Rangers defence that, despite showing solidity against other teams, has often struggled to contain him.
Given the open nature of Old Firm derbies and Celtic’s adeptness at creating scoring opportunities against high-quality opponents, Furuhashi’s chances of scoring are significantly high. His knack for being in the right place at the right time, his recent form, and his history in this fixture underscore his potential to be a decisive factor once more.
Corner Prediction: Celtic to Get More Corners, Total Corners Over 10.5
Celtic’s approach to this game, combined with Rangers’ tactical setup, suggests that the visitors might edge the hosts in terms of corners won. Celtic’s tendency to attack down the flanks, coupled with Rangers’ defensive strategy that often concedes corners in an attempt to block shots and crosses, sets the stage for a match with numerous corner kicks. Furthermore, the anticipated back-and-forth nature of the game, with both teams pressing for a win, increases the likelihood of a high corner count.
Predicting Celtic to secure more corners stems from their style of play that frequently sees their wide players attempting to breach the opposition’s defence, thereby leading to blocks and deflections out of play. The prediction of over 10.5 total corners for the match reflects the expected intensity and attacking endeavours of both sides, making it a plausible outcome for this high-stakes encounter.
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