Having already secured their 55th league title at the end of April, matching Rangers` record for most Scottish Premiership championships, Celtic now prepare to face their fierce rivals, Rangers, in the latest Old Firm derby at Ibrox. This dominant season sees Brendan Rodgers` side holding a significant 17-point lead over Rangers, and a win in this match would add another notable achievement to their successful campaign.
Although their Champions League run didn`t progress, Celtic demonstrated their potential by challenging Bayern Munich in the playoff stages, signaling their ambition to reclaim a prominent role in European football alongside their domestic dominance. For Rangers, closing the gap on their rivals requires considerable effort, and securing a victory in this highly anticipated home fixture would be a positive stride forward.
Here`s how to follow the match, including broadcast details and betting odds:
How to Watch Rangers vs. Celtic, Odds
- Date and Time: Sunday, May 4, 7 a.m. ET
- Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland
- Broadcast: CBS Sports Network
- Streaming: Paramount+
- Betting Odds: Rangers +245, Draw +265, Celtic -106
Last Meeting
In the previous meeting in March at Celtic Park, Rangers staged a comeback after trailing 2-0 in the first half, ultimately securing an 88th-minute winner. This victory ended Celtic`s strong run of form. The decisive goal came from a unique sequence involving a keeper assist from Jack Butland to Hamza Igamane. Rangers will aim to replicate this successful outcome at home.
What the Coaches Are Saying
Following Celtic`s title confirmation last week, traditionally a guard of honor might be expected. However, given the intense nature of the Old Firm rivalry, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers doesn`t anticipate a warm reception at Ibrox.
Rodgers commented: “`The guard of honor thing, it`s not a rule, that`s the first thing I would say. It`s not in the rules that you have to do it. And I think that when two clubs and the rivalry are so emotional, it`s always difficult for the team that comes up short.`
“`So, it`s one that I`m relaxed either way on it. It`s one where I`m a little bit of a traditionalist because there`s a lot of things that are going out of our game over on these isles that are just moving away from the traditions of the great managers and the great people that ran our game and were successful in our game.`”
While Celtic`s main celebration is likely deferred, the fact that Rangers are in a position to deny them this traditional gesture at their home ground adds another layer of intensity to the fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Rangers:
- Liam Kelly
- Robin Propper
- Clinton Nsiala
- James Tavernier
- Bailey Rice
- Jefte
- Mohamed Diomande
- Cyriel Dessers
- Hamza Igmane
Celtic:
- Viljami Sinisalo
- Anthony Ralston
- Cameron Carter-Vickers
- Liam Scales
- Greg Taylor
- Callum McGregor
- Arne Engles
- Reo Hatate
- Nicolas Kuhn
- Daizen Maeda
- Adam Idah
Player to Watch
Daizen Maeda, Celtic: Daizen Maeda of Celtic is a player to keep an eye on. He is currently in a close race for the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot, tied with Simon Murray on 16 goals. With the season concluding soon, this derby provides an excellent opportunity for the Celtic forward to surpass Murray and potentially his own teammates. Nicolas Kuhn (13 goals) and Adam Idah (10 goals) are also contenders from the Celtic squad, highlighting the team`s attacking prowess. While Kuhn and Idah would require exceptional performances to reach the top spot, Celtic`s ability to score freely means surprising outcomes are always possible.
Storyline to Watch
Can Rangers Protect Ibrox?: A major point of interest is whether Rangers can protect their home turf at Ibrox. Beyond the potential refusal of a guard of honor, Rangers will be determined not to be easily overcome by their rivals. Historically, the home side has often prevailed in this fixture, though Rangers were the last team to secure an away win in the previous five Old Firm clashes (the March meeting). This history adds extra motivation for Celtic. With their league position settled, Brendan Rodgers` side will be playing primarily for pride, and defeating their historic adversaries on their own ground would be a significant source of that.
Prediction
Celtic is expected to establish an early lead and maintain control throughout the match. With an eye on helping Maeda challenge for the Golden Boot, Celtic will likely create numerous scoring opportunities en route to victory. This result would leave Rangers facing further questions and looking up at their rivals in the league standings heading into the long offseason.
Predicted Score: Rangers 1, Celtic 3
Dominic Ashworth