Celtic saw their record-breaking 69-match unbeaten run against Scottish opposition ended with a thumping 4-0 defeat at the hands of Heart of Midlothian earlier this month.
Brendan Rodgers' charges, however, responded to that setback in superb style and a hat-trick of Scottish Premiership wins - against Partick Thistle, Aberdeen and Dundee respectively - has seen the Hoops open up a sizeable advantage at the top of the table.
Match odds:
2017 is a year that will live long in the memory of Celtic fans; the club secured their first domestic treble in 16 years back in May, while the League Cup was added to their trophy haul for a second successive season with a 2-0 win against Motherwell at Hampden Park in November.
Accordingly, the Hoops are on course for another domestic treble and the Scottish champions can see out the year in style with victory against rivals, Rangers, on Saturday afternoon.
GettyCeltic have avoided defeat in each of their last 39 league matches on their home turf and, so, it is little surprise that the Hoops are are short as 17/50 (1.34) with Betsafe to beat Rangers.
Graeme Murty was appointed as interim boss of Rangers following Pedro Caixinha's dismissal back in October, but the club's search for a permanent replacement has been fruitless and, so, it was announced last week that Murty will remain in charge until the end of the season.
Murty has had mixed results since taking charge of Rangers and, while a credible challenge to take the title for the first time since 2011 looks likely to be out of reach, a win over their bitter rivals would certainly provide a much-needed fillip for the men from Ibrox going into the new year; Betsafe to 29/4 (8.25) that Rangers claim their first win at Celtic Park since 2010, while the odds compilers offer 15/4 (4.75) that the match ends all square.
Handicap value in backing the Hoops?
Celtic have won by at least two clear goals in six of their last seven victories against Rangers and, having hit seven goals in their last three games without reply, Betsafe offer a generous 26/25 (1.04) that the Hoops win on the handicap market once again this weekend.
Both teams to score?
Rangers have a wretched recent record in this fixture; indeed, the team from Govan have failed to win any of their last 10 matches against the Hoops inside 90 minutes.
GOALDespite the 'Gers' troubles, only the Hoops have outscored their rivals in the Premiership so far this season and, so, Murty's men will feel confident that they can make their mark at Celtic Park; Betsafe go 39/50 (1.78) that the visitors score against the Hoops, while the odds compilers offer 19/20 (1.95) that both teams are on target - Rodgers' side have scored in no fewer than 64 of their last 65 Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Tips and predictions:
Celtic have been a cut above the chasing pack in Scotland for some time now and the Hoops are firmly on course to claim a seventh successive league title.
Rodgers' men would dearly love to underline their superiority by rounding off the calendar year with a convincing win against Rangers and it is Betsafe's 26/25 (2.04) quote for the Hoops to win by at least two clear goals that could offer best value to punters ahead of Saturday's showdown at Celtic Park.
Celtic (-1) at 26/25 (2.04) for a 1pt stake with Betsafe