Rangers vs Celtic preview: Team news, lineups and prediction
Rangers and Celtic will play out the 450th Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Sunday.
Danny Rohl has been fantastic since he arrived in Govan on 20 October, and his first Old Firm derby at Ibrox has all the hallmarks of a mouth-watering clash.
Rangers played out a disappointing 2-2 draw against bottom side Livingston last weekend, and it’s imperative they secure all three points on Sunday if they want to keep the pace with league leaders Hearts.
Celtic secured a 1-0 win over Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday, and although Martin O’Neill’s side lost the tie 4-2 on aggregate, they will feel confident of securing another big away win.
Ibrox News highlights everything you need to know ahead of the clash on 1 March.
- Read more: Djeidi Gassama to pay the price in two Danny Rohl changes – Rangers predicted XI vs Celtic
Form guide
Rangers (last six games all comps): D W D W W D
Celtic (last six games all comps): W L L W W W
Head-to-head
The first league meeting between the sides ended 0-0 in August, and it’s safe to say that it was one of the more forgettable Old Firm derbies in recent history.
The Hoops prevailed over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final in November, with Martin O’Neill’s side winning 3-1 after extra time.
However, the Bears then went to Celtic Park at the start of 2026 and won by the same scoreline, with Youssef Chermiti scoring a brilliant brace in the second half.
Celtic also haven’t won on their last four visits to Ibrox, which shows important a role the crowd will play on Sunday.
Overall, Rangers have won 172, lost 171 and drawn 106 matches with Celtic.
Both sides have played their part in one of the greatest rivalries in the world, and there’s no doubt that Govan will be incredibly hostile this weekend.
Team news and predicted lineups
Bailey Rice, Derek Cornelius and Connor Barron are all confirmed absentees, but Rohl should have the rest of his squad available.
After being benched for the Livingston clash, Ryan Naderi may come back into the side to join Chermiti up front.
John Souttar has been under pressure for his recent poor performances, and Nasser Djiga could replace him in defence
As for Celtic, Auston Trusty is suspended, while the likes of Arne Engels, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Alistair Johnston are all out injured.
Rangers predicted XI: Butland; Tavernier, Djiga, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore, Naderi, Chermiti
Celtic predicted XI: Schmeichel; Araujo, Arthur, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Yang, Nygren, Tounekti; Cvancara
How I predict Rangers vs Celtic to finish
The Old Firm derby is never a game that can be easily predicted, but it’s clear that Rangers go into the match as slight favourites.
The 4-2 win over Hearts on 15 February showed fans that their side is capable of winning the title, and it was undoubtedly the best atmosphere Ibrox has seen all year.
Celtic shouldn’t be underestimated, and with Martin O’Neill, they won’t go down without a fight.
However, home advantage should make all the difference in Sunday’s meeting, and the hosts will likely win 3-1.
For more in-depth analysis of the Gers, visit Football Insider and have a look at their coverage.