- Celtic have won their last 5 consecutive matches in all competitions and scored 10 goals in that run
- Rangers have won 8 of their 17 Premiership away games this season, losing only 2, while conceding an average of 1.00 goals per game
- Both sides have averaged 2.0 goals per game in the last 5 meetings between the clubs
Celtic the form team and psychological favorites
Celtic are the form side going into this game with five straight wins in all competitions that have included a 6-2 win in extra-time over Saint Mirren in the Scottish FA Cup. They have also won their last two Premiership - Championship Round 2026 games against Falkirk (3-1) and Hibernian (2-1) and sit second in the standings with 73 points from 35 games, four ahead of third-placed Rangers.
Celtic’s psychological advantage in the current standings isn’t the only thing that makes them the favourites for this game with the Hoops going into it at 2.1, compared to 3.2 for Rangers and 3.58 for the draw. The Bhoys have won two, lost one and drawn two of the last five Old Firm games and beat Rangers 4-2 away from home in the 2025/2026 Scottish FA Cup only eight weeks ago. The latest Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC prediction suggests the match will be closely contested, reflecting recent results between these rivals.
Rangers have won three and lost two of their last five games, although back-to-back defeats against Motherwell (2-3) and Hearts (1-2) have left their momentum in some doubt ahead of this derby. The Gers beat Falkirk 6-3 on their recent trip to the Borders, so this has all the makings of another wild Old Firm match-up that could be full of goals. Our Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC betting tips also point towards a high-scoring encounter based on both teams' attacking form.
Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley can unlock Rangers’ defence
Danny Röhl has brought a degree of flexibility to Rangers since he was appointed as manager in October 2025 and his side usually play with a 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1 system. His teams press high, looking to get wide players involved in quick transitions and overload the flanks where they can be at their most potent. This Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC preview will focus on the tactical battle, especially in midfield areas where both teams are strong.
But Röhl’s tactics have been less effective in the two most recent games when his side have been caught out when they have let the opposition off the hook in moments of pressure. Todd Cantwell, who is Rangers’ most advanced playmaker, is the best person to start any move and is a real driving force in the transition, so he will have to be marked tightly on Sunday. The Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC prediction highlights how important it will be for Celtic’s midfield to contain Cantwell and disrupt Rangers' rhythm.
Martin O’Neill has brought structure to Celtic since he was named as interim manager on 1st May 2026. He has largely stuck with his preferred 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems, but the players are more compact and seem to know their positions better, which has helped them to remain solid as they enter the final stages of the title race.
The Hoops have won their last three home games and scored 37 goals in 17 Premiership games at Celtic Park this term, averaging over two goals per outing. Daizen Maeda is their key danger man with three goals in two Championship Round 2026 matches and four in Celtic’s last five.
Goals at both ends likely in an Old Firm classic
Rangers have averaged 1.82 goals in 17 away games this term, so they certainly won’t be shy of chances if they can get forward as they usually do against Celtic.
Dujon Sterling is their top scorer in the Championship Round with one goal in two games, but he is more of a transition player with a key role in setting Rangers’ tempo by driving forward from full-back and providing a link with the attacking midfielders.
Backing ‘Over 2.5 goals’ at 1.47 looks a good bet here as both teams like to play on the front foot and will be going for it in what is a massive game in psychological terms as well as the Premiership - Championship Round standings. This scenario fits the Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC prediction that suggests both teams are likely to score, making for an entertaining contest.
Celtic are the slight favourites to win the game at 2.1 and that looks about right given their form and home advantage, but with Rangers losing just 2 of 17 away league games, there is a strong case for backing the draw at 3.58. The final Celtic FC vs Glasgow Rangers FC prediction takes into account both teams’ resilience and the high stakes of the match.
