Match predictions

OUR sports writers give their predictions ahead of today’s momentous Old Firm clash at Ibrox.

Graeme McGarry

I may be getting the odd skelf on my posterior from this spot of fence-sitting, but I can’t separate the teams going into this crucial clash.

Much has rightly been made of the reaction that coach Philippe Clement has got from this group of Rangers players since his arrival in Glasgow, and they will be going into this one full of confidence – and with a full Ibrox behind them.

Celtic though are in a much stronger position than they have been for some time in terms of the personnel available to them, and they should be able to exploit the spaces Rangers leave in behind on the transition.

Brendan Rodgers has a ridiculous record in this fixture, and if Callum McGregor was fully fit, I might even fancy them to nick it. Rangers have more than a bit about them too now though, so a score draw is the most likely outcome. Rangers 1 Celtic 1

Matthew Johnston

Clement has Rangers fans purring and for good reason – the turnaround since the Belgian took the reins has been striking, even more so considering it has depended on him getting the best out of players who looked like no-hopers under Michael Beale.

Even if they stumble from here, I have no doubt they will be an even more formidable presence after the summer. The one true blemish on his record, however, has been the Old Firm defeat in December.

As much as Rodgers seems to be feeling the heat at Parkhead this time around, the Northern Irishman has proven himself time and again in this fixture, as has Kyogo Furuhashi, and the league leaders seem to be clicking back into gear after giving themselves a shake during the international break.

Visitors to win 3-2 with Matt O’Riley getting the winner. Rangers 2 Celtic 3

David Irvine

This has all the hallmarks of a classic derby contest with the title race hanging in the balance.

Rangers are a different side under Clement, and long gone are the days of Celtic turning up and strolling it at Ibrox.

I’m expecting this match to err on the side of a nerve-fest rather than the goal-fest every neutral craves. Rodgers has been through this all before and will have his side well prepared for the daunting task ahead of them. This match – much like this season as a whole – could go either way, but a draw wouldn’t be disastrous for either side should it be level heading into the final few minutes. Rangers 1 Celtic 1

Ewan Paton

It seems increasingly likely that it’s going to be nip and tuck between Glasgow’s big two until the final day of the season. With Celtic essentially back to a fullstrength squad, I think they’ll have enough to come away from Ibrox with something, whereas a few weeks ago I’d have stuck my money on a home win. A draw to keep things balanced on a knife edge.

Rangers 2 Celtic 2

Matthew Lindsay

Rangers are enjoying a fine spell of domestic form, have important players returning from injury and will have every supporter in the 50,000-strong crowd roaring them on. I would not be at all surprised if the third cinch Premiership match of the season between Rangers and Celtic ends in a draw.

But I suspect the hosts might just edge it and give their hopes of lifting the Scottish title in May a massive boost. Rodgers’ team have dominated the midfield in their previous two encounters with their city rivals this term. Callum McGregor was magnificent in both of those games. However, the Parkhead captain has not played since the end of February due to an Achilles issue. Reo Hatate, too, only made his comeback from injury last weekend.

John Lundstram, Mohamed Diomande and Todd Cantwell, meanwhile, have impressed hugely of late. That trio can give the home side a vital edge. If Rangers can contain Celtic’s wingers and take their scoring chances, they will win their first meaningful Old Firm league game since 2021. Rangers 2 Celtic 1

Jonny McFarlane

Asking for a prediction for a game this unpredictable is a cruel task. There are many uncertainties but you’d imagine that come the end of the battle, little will have separated Scotland’s top two teams.

Celtic have been poor this term by the high standards set by Ange Postecoglou over his spectacular two years, but still may have enough thanks to the experienced spine, packed with leaders, that has seen them through victorious in many of these games. If Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, McGregor and Furuhashi all step up, Rangers will have to produce something special.

That said, a delirious, demented Ibrox backing their team to the hilt is a huge plus point for Clement’s much-improved team. The Belgian has done a brilliant job since grabbing the reigns from Michael Beale, elevating every member of the squad. But Rangers managers are judged by results in this fixture and the pressure is on. If his side can edge it, you feel the result will likely be decisive in the title race.

Rangers 2 Celtic 1