Rangers vs Celtic predictions for Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Ibrox. Rangers will be keen to bounce back from European disappointment with a positive result in the Old Firm. Can they do so against a Celtic side who are winless in two games. Read on for our free betting tips and match previews.
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Match Live Sunday, 3rd September at 12:00 pm In:
Rangers vs Celtic Predictions
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The Battle at Ibrox: A Deep Dive into the Old Firm Derby
Key Stats
– Celtic have faltered recently with a shock loss to Kilmarnock and a draw against St Johnstone.
– The last time these arch-rivals met at Ibrox, Rangers celebrated a commanding 3-0 victory.
The Scottish football calendar will witness its first Old Firm face-off this season, as the Rangers and Celtic gear up for an electrifying Sunday at Ibrox. The rich history, rivalry, and both teams’ current form make this more than just a game.
Rangers: In Search of Redemption
The Rangers’ journey leading up to this contest has been a rollercoaster. They succumbed to a staggering 5-1 loss against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League playoffs, which was a surprising turn of events given that they were holding their own in the first leg with a 2-2 result. The tragic night for Michael Beale’s troops saw them trailing 4-2 on aggregate after two goals from Ismael Saibari. While James Tavernier managed to find the net, the Gers’ spirits were dampened by Connor Goldson’s unfortunate own goal. This setback meant the Dutch club registered a 7-3 triumph over both legs.
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Locally, things have been slightly brighter. Despite the unexpected opening game loss against Kilmarnock, the Rangers demonstrated resilience. Their next two games witnessed them overpower Livingston and Ross County with a combined scoreline of 6-0. That said, the Rangers, still smarting from their European exit, will undoubtedly view this derby as the perfect stage to assert their dominance and make a statement.
Celtic: Quest for Consistency
Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic, on the other hand, began their Premiership voyage positively. A victory against Ross County, powered by a David Turnbull double, and a subsequent 3-1 triumph over Aberdeen showcased their intent. Kyogo Furuhashi, especially, has been a standout player, scoring in consecutive matches. However, recent matches have brought a mixed bag. The shocking loss to Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup and a draw against St Johnstone have brought them back to the drawing board.
Yet, it’s essential to remember that under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, the Bhoys had a stellar season last time around. Winning 32 out of 38 league matches, they clinched a memorable treble.
Technical Analysis
In the footballing tapestry of Scotland, there’s no fixture more renowned than the Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic. Both these teams, separated by mere points in the Scottish Premiership table, bring to this match a backdrop of tension, not merely because of the historic rivalry, but due to their recent performances.
Rangers’ Strategic Woes
Rangers, under Michael Beale, seem to be missing a strategic essence that was evident in their previous matches. Their 5-1 hammering at the hands of PSV Eindhoven showcases tactical vulnerabilities, particularly in their defensive compartment. The likes of James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, usually stalwarts in defence, were caught off-guard multiple times. That comical own goal from Goldson not only added salt to their wounds but exemplified a lack of composure in the backline.
However, Rangers’ offensive strategy, especially in their domestic league, can’t be dismissed lightly. Rabbi Matondo and Cyriel Dessers, having combined effectively in the past, have demonstrated the capability to pierce through defences. Dessers, with two goals and two assists in seven appearances, seems to be finding his rhythm. In midfield, the combination of Jose Cifuentes, John Lundstram, and Nicolas Raskin offers both stability and flair. Yet, against a robust team, their defensive strategy must be bolstered to prevent easy giveaways and to shield their keeper, Jack Butland, from being excessively tested.
Celtic’s Dips and Rises
On the other side, Celtic, under the reign of Brendan Rodgers, exhibit a mixed bag of results. A goalless draw against St Johnstone highlighted a dire need for creative strategies in breaking down defensively solid teams. Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull, both lethal in the opponent’s box, seemed stifled for options during the match. But it’s not all gloom; the attacking trio of Daizen Maeda, Furuhashi, and Yang Hyun-jun has shown sparks of brilliance that can light up any match.
Yet, it’s the defence that seems worrisome. With Rodgers having limited defensive choices due to injuries, the onus will be on the likes of Alistair Johnston and Gustaf Lagerbielke to hold the fort. The absence of Steven Davis for Rangers and the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers for Celtic due to injuries could significantly impact the central gameplay.
The Management’s Impact
Both team managements have moulded their squads in distinct ways. Rangers, under Beale, exhibit a preference for possession-heavy football, amassing 69% against Kilmarnock. While this strategy aids in controlling the game, they’ve sometimes lacked the cutting edge to convert possession into goals. Conversely, Celtic, championing a treble last season under Ange Postecoglou, have tasted early disappointments under Rodgers. While the latter’s return promised an evolution of Postecoglou’s offensive strategies, the recent matches hint at a slight deviation.
Comparative Dynamics
In terms of tactics, while Rangers tend towards a more possession-based approach, Celtic, with their 4-3-3 formation, focus on rapid transitions, utilising the pace of their forwards. Player performances spotlight the likes of Tavernier for Rangers and O’Riley for Celtic. Yet, in overall success this season, Celtic’s dip, especially their shocking Viaplay Cup elimination, showcases a vulnerability that Rangers could exploit.
Suggestions and Dynamics
For Rangers, revisiting their defensive setup, perhaps incorporating a more compact midfield, can alleviate the pressure on their backline. Celtic, meanwhile, need to bolster their creativity in the final third, possibly by allowing Turnbull more freedom in the playmaker role.
The pros of Rangers’ strategy lie in their ball control, which can tire out opponents. Yet, defensively, they’ve shown lapses that potent teams exploit. Celtic’s rapid attacking transitions are their strength, but their defensive lapses, especially against set-pieces, can be their Achilles’ heel.
Team News & Predictions
1. Match Result: Rangers to Win
The historical data coupled with recent form provide a fascinating perspective on the potential outcome of this match. Rangers, despite their demoralising 5-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven, have demonstrated robustness and resilience, particularly on their home turf at Ibrox. If we cast our minds back just three months, Rangers dominated Celtic with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at this very venue. Their recent league performances, wherein they netted six goals in their last two encounters and maintained clean sheets in both, further bolster the argument for their prowess.
On the other side of the pitch, Celtic’s recent form is worrisome for their supporters. While they lead the Scottish Premiership by a point, they are winless in their last two games. Additionally, Celtic’s away performance has been lacklustre, with three losses in their past four competitive matches. Brendan Rodgers, in his second stint with Celtic, seems to be grappling with finding the right balance and consistency.
Considering these facets, Rangers look primed to harness their home advantage and seize victory, making amends for their European disappointment.
2. Correct Score: Rangers 2-1 Celtic
If we delve deeper into the dynamics of both teams, a hard-fought contest seems to be on the cards. Rangers’ recent trouncing at the hands of PSV might suggest vulnerabilities, but it’s essential to acknowledge they held the Dutch heavyweights to a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Ibrox. This suggests that their resolve, particularly at home, remains intact.
On the flip side, Celtic’s attacking vigour has dwindled recently, failing to find the net in their last two outings. However, history between these two giants offers a glimmer of hope for the Hoops. In the last 10 Old Firm encounters, Celtic have been barren on the scoreboard only once. Given Rangers’ defensive lapses recently, conceding in their past matches, it’s plausible to predict that Celtic might find a way through.
Weaving these threads together, a 2-1 victory for Rangers feels like a reasonable prediction. Rangers might need a couple of goals, capitalising on Celtic’s wobbly away form, to clinch the win.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: James Tavernier to Score
Rangers’ captain and defender, James Tavernier, stands out as a potential goalscorer. Historically, Tavernier has showcased an ability to rise to the occasion in significant matches. Not only does he lead the defensive line but also has a knack for finding himself in goal-scoring positions, particularly during set-pieces. This season, as the stats reveal, he’s already on the board, affirming his goal-scoring tendency.
Given the magnitude of the Old Firm derby, coupled with Tavernier’s reputation as a player who thrives under pressure, it wouldn’t be a stretch to foresee him registering his name on the scoresheet. Whether it be from a thunderous free-kick, a penalty, or a well-timed header from a corner, Tavernier is likely to be in the thick of the action.
To conclude, this Old Firm showdown promises to be a captivating encounter, brimming with intensity, passion, and undoubtedly, some moments of sheer brilliance. All predictions point towards a thrilling Rangers victory, with goals on both sides and Tavernier potentially being a standout performer.
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