With Celtic reeling from their Champions League exit and Rangers in questionable form, this Old Firm derby carries huge significance.
Rangers vs Celtic Predictions
Odds courtesy of bet365, correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
Fresher Hoops to claim a big win
Although Celtic had a long journey to Kazakhstan for their Champions League second-leg qualifier in Almaty, the Hoops had an extra day of rest ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby.
It’s also fair to say that morale at Ibrox is rock-bottom at present. Russell Martin doesn’t appear to have had the desired effect on this group of players, with Celtic already six points clear of their bitter rivals after just three games played.
Despite their hugely disappointing Champions League exit, Celtic have at least shown serious intent to dominate the SPL once again this season. With Gers fans growing increasingly sceptical over Martin’s future, just weeks into his tenure, it’s hard to see anything but a Celtic win this weekend.
- Rangers vs Celtic Prediction 1:Celtic to win @ 19/20 with bet365
Nervy, low-scoring encounter expected
Two of the last four meetings between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox finished with two or fewer goals scored. Despite this, the betting markets believe there’s only a 36.36% chance for this weekend’s game to finish the same way.
The result could be entirely possible, however. Celtic have yet to concede a goal this season, while Rangers will almost certainly be desperate to avoid a humiliating defeat to the Hoops. Such a loss would add to their dismal 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Rangers are also on the verge of selling one of their star strikers, with Hamza Igamane leaving for French Ligue 1 outfit Lille OSC. The Moroccan scored 12 goals in 33 appearances last season, so his departure will weaken their attacking options.
- Rangers vs Celtic Prediction 2: Under 2.5 goals @ 7/4 with bet365
Backing red-hot Nygren to net again
Swedish wide forward, Benjamin Nygren, has been a revelation for Celtic since his switch from Denmark's Nordsjaelland. He scored 25 goals in 87 appearances for the Danes and has already made an instant impact, scoring three in three SPL games.
The betting markets give Nygren a 38.1% chance of scoring at Ibrox this weekend. However, he’s got a 100% strike rate so far in Celtic colours, and he even managed a 50% strike rate for Nordsjaelland last season in the Danish Superliga.
This appears to be the value bet of our trio of Rangers vs Celtic predictions, with Nygren comfortably the Hoops’ top performer so far this season alongside Dane Murray.
- Rangers vs Celtic Prediction 3: Benjamin Nygren Anytime Scorer @ 13/8 with bet365
Our analysis: Form of both teams
Glasgow Rangers prepare to host their Old Firm rivals Glasgow Celtic on Sunday lunchtime, as the Gers seek their first league win of the 2025/26 SPL season.
After watching his side draw their first three SPL games of the campaign, Russell Martin is under increasing pressure. This included a recent 1-1 draw at St Mirren, which drew fierce criticism from many Rangers supporters.
With both clubs now out of the running for Champions League football this season, it’s clear the league is the number-one focus for Martin and Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. Martin hopes to add one or two new faces to the squad before the summer transfer window closes, some of whom could sign in time for Sunday’s match.
Celtic were humiliated in their midweek Champions League qualifier with Kazakh minnows Kairat Almaty. The Hoops were taken to a penalty shootout after two goalless legs, but Kairat showed great composure and sealed their place in the league phase, much to Rodgers’ dismay.
The trip to Ibrox comes at the ideal time for Rodgers and his side, as they aim to put their Champions League disappointment behind them.
A win over the Gers would open up a nine-point gap between them and Rangers, which could prove hard to overturn with just four games played. Celtic haven’t yet conceded a goal in three SPL games either.
Predicted lineups for Rangers vs Celtic
Glasgow Rangers Expected Lineup: Butland; Tavernier, Meghoma, Djiga, Souttar, Rothwell, Diomande, Aasgaard, Antman, Gassama, Danilo
Glasgow Celtic Expected Lineup: Schmeichel; Ralston, Tierney, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Hatate, McGregor, Nygren, Yang, Forrest, Maeda