It is time for the first Old Firm Derby in Scottish Premiership since 2012. Scottish Premiership had missed its blockbuster fixture for four long years since Rangers’ liquidation in 2012. However, after three promotions in four years, the Gers are back to where they belong with an intention to dethrone their arch rivals Celtic off their perch. The Scottish Premier League had been a one-horse race for the last few seasons now and the Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will want to extend that run for as long as he is in charge but with Rangers back in the Premiership that won’t be a cakewalk.
Celtic hold the upper hand over Rangers heading into this vastly important fixture holding a much better form. The Hoops had a 100% start to their domestic campaign and are leading the table with nine points from three games, sitting one point above Rangers with a game in hand. They are on the back of a massive 4-1 win against last two seasons’ runners up Aberdeen and Rodgers has already started working his magic at Parkhead.
Rangers, on the other hand, have won two games this season and drawn two and are yet to find their best form. With the kind of momentum Celtic are in at the moment, Rangers will head to the game as the underdogs. However, in such games, you never know what surprise awaits you.
Statistics
All competitions: Played 401, Celtic 145, Rangers 159, drawn 97
Premiership: Played 31, Celtic 13, Rangers 13, drawn 5
Premiership goals: Celtic 37, Rangers 37
It has always been a tight affair between the two Scottish giants and the records speak for it. What can be said that we can expect a cracker of a game where each and every player will give their best.
Team news
Celtic
Leigh Griffiths is doubtful for the game and will be subject to a late fitness test. Gary Mackay-Steven should miss the game with an injury. Kieran Tierney is back to full fitness which is a good news for Rodgers.
Rangers
Joe Dodoo and Matt Crooks are missing with injuries but Martyn Waghorn and skipper Lee Wallace are back.
Predicted XI and tactical setups
Celtic
Celtic are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dorus de Vries between the sticks behind the back four of Lustig, Toure, Sviatchenko and Tierney. Scott Brown and Nir Bitton will pair up in the middle of the park while Tom Rogic should start as a number ten. In-form Forrest and Sinclair should start out wide while Leigh Griffiths, if he is declared fit, will spearhead the attack or else Rodgers has to go with Dembele.
Starting XI: de Vries; Lustig, Toure, Sviatchenko, Tierney; Brown, Bitton; Forrest, Rogic, Sinclair; Griffiths
Rangers
Rangers are likely to start in a 4-3-3 formation with Foderingham starting under the bar behind the back four of Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson and Wallace. Jordan Rossiter is likely to start as a defensive midfielder with Barton and Kranjcar operating in box to box roles. Kenny Miller should retain his position up front and Waghorn is likely to start on the right flank while Harry Forrester is likely to get the nod on the left.
Starting XI: Foderingham; Tavernier, Kiernan, Wilson, Wallace; Rossiter, Barton, Kranjcar; Waghorn, Miller, Forrester
