Rangers vs Celtic Derby: Many Close Games and Player Injuries Expected

Many Rangers and Celtic players are injured. Their last games were very close, with some going to extra time or penalties. This means the next derby will be hard to predict.
By Newsroom | Sports, Football |

The upcoming Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic presents a complex scenario, marked by a history of close contests and significant team news. As these two Scottish football giants prepare to face off, understanding their recent performances, available players, and tactical leanings is essential for assessing the match's potential outcomes. The competitive spirit between these clubs is a defining characteristic of Scottish football, often leading to tightly fought games with implications for the league standings.

Rangers vs Celtic: Prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds - 1

Team Status and Player Availability

Both Rangers and Celtic are contending with player absences, a crucial factor in their recent and upcoming matches.

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  • Rangers are currently without Bailey Rice, Connor Barron, and Derek Cornelius due to injuries. Leon Balogun also picked up a knock.

  • Celtic faces a more extensive list of unavailable players. Auston Trusty is suspended, while Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Arne Engels, Callum Osmand, and Jota are sidelined with injuries. Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo are also listed as doubts.

This disparity in player availability may influence team strategies and on-field performance.

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Recent Match Outcomes and Form

Recent results between Rangers and Celtic, and their general form, reveal a pattern of closely contested matches, often decided by narrow margins or penalty shootouts.

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  • A Scottish Premiership match on August 29, 2025, ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams unable to find the net. Late defensive efforts were key in preventing goals.

  • In the Scottish League Cup on November 2, 2025, Celtic defeated Rangers 3-1 after extra time. Callum McGregor and Callum Osmand scored crucial goals in the additional period.

  • The match on January 1, 2025, saw Rangers predicted to lose 0-2 to Celtic, with an earlier fixture on December 15, 2024, resulting in a 3-3 draw that Celtic won 8-7 on penalties in the Scottish League Cup.

  • Another fixture on January 3, 2026, saw Rangers emerge victorious 3-1 against Celtic at Celtic Park.

  • Ladbrokes predicted a 3-2 victory for Celtic in one encounter, highlighting the difficulty in predicting outcomes.

These results indicate a strong rivalry where even draws are frequent, and matches often extend beyond the regulation 90 minutes.

The head-to-head record between Rangers and Celtic shows a competitive balance, with a tendency for games to be low-scoring or to require extra time and penalties.

CompetitionDateResultNotes
Scottish PremiershipAug 29, 2025Rangers 0-0 CelticFull-time draw
Scottish League CupNov 2, 2025Celtic 3-1 RangersCeltic won in extra time
Scottish League CupDec 15, 2024Celtic 3-3 RangersCeltic won on penalties (8-7p)
Scottish PremiershipJan 3, 2026Celtic 1-3 RangersRangers victory
Scottish League CupFeb 1, 2025Celtic 2-0 RangersCeltic win

  • Three of the last five head-to-head matches have ended in a draw after 90 minutes.

  • Rangers have drawn seven times in the current season, illustrating a propensity for balanced contests.

  • Celtic has a strong record in the Scottish League Cup, winning it in seven of the last nine seasons.

Tactical and Observational Insights

Analysis of past encounters suggests that defensive solidity and moments of individual brilliance often define these derby matches.

  • In the August 29, 2025, fixture, both teams defended well, with Celtic successfully clearing corners and Rangers' penalty appeals being denied.

  • The November 2, 2025, League Cup tie saw Celtic secure victory through late extra-time goals, indicating their ability to find a way to win even in prolonged matches.

  • Predictions for some matches lean towards a more cautious approach, with the possibility of under 4.5 goals, especially when considering teams appearing "disjointed" or having had "chaotic starts."

  • There's also evidence of teams scoring late goals, with Celtic showing an ability to net eight goals after the 76th minute in one season, suggesting resilience and the capacity to change game outcomes.

Expert and Predictive Views

While objective analysis focuses on data, predictive models and expert opinions offer insights into potential match directions, though they acknowledge the inherent unpredictability of the Old Firm derby.

  • Sofascore and FotMob employ rating systems based on extensive data factors to assess player and team performance.

  • Predictions have varied, with some forecasting a 0-2 victory for Celtic (90min.com), while others suggest a higher-scoring affair like 3-2 in favor of Celtic (Ladbrokes). This divergence underscores the speculative nature of pre-match predictions for such intense fixtures.

  • Betting markets are also closely observing the match, with odds reflecting the competitive nature and uncertainties surrounding player availability and team form.

Conclusion and Future Considerations

The forthcoming Old Firm derby is set against a backdrop of frequent close calls, with recent encounters demonstrating that matches can be decided by the finest of margins, including penalty shootouts and extra time. Player availability remains a significant factor, with both Rangers and Celtic experiencing absences that could shape tactical approaches and on-field execution. The data suggests a rivalry characterized by resilience, defensive capabilities, and the potential for dramatic late interventions. As the teams prepare to meet, their respective injury lists and recent historical patterns provide a framework for analysis, but the enduring intensity of the Old Firm derby ensures that definitive predictions remain challenging.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many Rangers players are injured for the next derby?
Rangers have three players out with injuries: Bailey Rice, Connor Barron, and Derek Cornelius. Leon Balogun also has a knock, so he might not play.
Q: How many Celtic players are injured or suspended for the next derby?
Celtic has more players missing. Auston Trusty is suspended. Injured players include Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Arne Engels, Callum Osmand, and Jota. Dujon Sterling and Rabbi Matondo are also unsure if they can play.
Q: What were the results of the last few Rangers vs Celtic games?
The last games were very close. On August 29, 2025, they drew 0-0. On November 2, 2025, Celtic won 3-1 after extra time. On December 15, 2024, they drew 3-3 and Celtic won on penalties.
Q: Are Rangers and Celtic games usually close?
Yes, their games are often very close. Three of the last five games ended in a draw after normal time. This shows that both teams play well and games can go to extra time or penalties.
Q: What do experts think about the next Rangers vs Celtic game?
Experts find it hard to predict the winner because the games are so close and many players are injured. Some think Celtic will win 2-0, while others think it will be a higher score like 3-2 for Celtic.