Rangers vs Celtic Predictions

Rangers vs Celtic predictions for this Old Firm showdown. Rangers face Celtic at Ibrox in the 444th Old Firm derby during Thursday’s opening round of the 2025 Scottish Premiership. Read on for our free betting tips and match previews.

Scottish Premiership | Jan 2, 2025 at 3pm UK at Ibrox Stadium

Rangers vs Celtic Predictions

Can Rangers Halt Celtic’s Dominance in a High-Stakes Old Firm Derby?

• Celtic’s Iron Defence: With only four goals conceded in 18 Premiership games, Celtic boast an unrivalled defensive record in the league.
• Igamane’s Spark: Rangers’ Hamza Igamane has scored two goals in his last outing, offering a rare bright spot in their struggling attack.
• Maeda’s Derby Dominance: Daizen Maeda has scored three goals in his last four Old Firm matches, cementing his reputation as a big-game player.

Our Tips

The Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic needs little introduction. As the 444th meeting of these fierce rivals approaches, emotions are running high across Glasgow. With Celtic marching toward another Premiership title, their 14-point lead at the summit of the table feels almost insurmountable. Rangers, meanwhile, are grappling with inconsistency, and Thursday’s showdown at Ibrox offers a rare chance to inject hope back into their season.

Recent form favours Celtic heavily. After defeating Rangers in the League Cup final on penalties just two weeks ago, Brendan Rodgers’s side will arrive full of confidence. Their impeccable defensive record—only four goals conceded in 18 league matches—is matched by an equally potent attack that has netted 52 times. In stark contrast, Rangers have faltered in key moments, scraping draws against the likes of Motherwell and narrowly avoiding embarrassment against St Mirren.

Nonetheless, the Old Firm atmosphere always guarantees unpredictability. With over 50,000 home supporters urging Rangers forward, this fixture promises drama, intensity, and possibly some fireworks—both on and off the pitch.

Best Bet: Celtic to Win and Both Teams to Score

Backing Celtic to win while conceding at least once offers a balanced approach to the complexities of this derby. Rangers are undeniably underdogs, but their capacity to find the net in high-pressure matches suggests they can break Celtic’s defensive wall, even if a victory seems far-fetched.

Celtic’s form is daunting. The Bhoys have kept 15 clean sheets in 18 league matches, demonstrating an almost impenetrable backline marshalled by Kasper Schmeichel. Yet, in derby contexts, clean sheets often become elusive. Rangers’ Hamza Igamane, fresh off a two-goal heroics against Motherwell, provides a spark of hope. Moreover, Ridvan Yilmaz will be motivated to redeem himself after his costly miss in the League Cup final.

Philippe Clement’s Rangers side, however, remain plagued by defensive frailties. The absence of key players like John Souttar exacerbates their vulnerabilities, while Leon Balogun’s fitness remains touch-and-go. Against a Celtic attack spearheaded by the dynamic Kyogo Furuhashi, Rangers will struggle to keep the visitors at bay. Furuhashi, with eight league goals this season, is poised to make a significant impact, supported by Daizen Maeda and Tomoki Iwata.

BettingTips4You.com’s expert Herrin Kendrick concurs: “Celtic’s offensive depth and defensive solidity make them formidable, but Rangers’ desperate need for points means they will push forward aggressively, creating a fascinating dynamic.”

A Rangers goal could come through sheer determination, but the overall quality of Celtic’s attack will likely tip the scales. This combination makes a bet on Celtic to win with both teams scoring particularly compelling, offering value without overreaching into speculative territory.

Correct Score Prediction: Rangers 1-3 Celtic

With Celtic’s attack firing on all cylinders and Rangers prone to lapses at the back, a 3-1 victory for the visitors seems plausible. This prediction aligns with both Celtic’s impressive scoring record and Rangers’ capacity to snatch a consolation in front of a partisan home crowd.

The justification lies in Celtic’s remarkable consistency. They have scored at least three goals in their last two league matches, including back-to-back 4-0 wins. Rangers, meanwhile, conceded twice in a single half against Motherwell and have struggled to maintain defensive cohesion. While Ibrox’s fervent atmosphere might energise the home side early on, Celtic’s superior midfield control and clinical finishing are likely to decide the match.

Additionally, Daizen Maeda’s knack for delivering in Old Firm clashes—three goals in his last four meetings against Rangers—bolsters this prediction. His recent form further supports the idea that Celtic will find the net multiple times, with Maeda potentially playing a starring role.

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