Celtic vs Rangers Predictions

• Celtic have won 13 straight Premiership games
• Rangers have scored in 11 of their last 12 away matches
• Celtic have conceded in six of their last eight domestic home wins

Celtic must respond to double setback

The first league Old Firm of the season arrives with Celtic top of the Premiership and Rangers five points behind, but the mood around both clubs has shifted dramatically in the last week.

Martin O’Neill’s side remain perfect domestically with six wins from six, yet back‑to‑back defeats — a 3‑0 League Cup hammering at Ibrox and a 3‑1 Europa League loss to Ferencvaros — have raised questions about their big‑game mentality.

Rangers, meanwhile, are finally taking shape under Derek McInnes. After failing to win any of their first four matches, the Gers have now taken seven victories from their last eight, including last weekend’s emphatic 3‑0 derby triumph at Ibrox.

Gers’ must improve poor Parkhead record

This game will be played in a completely different atmosphere with no away fans present and Rangers’ record at Celtic Park, where they have claimed just two wins in their last 12 visits, remains a major hurdle.

Celtic Park will be packed exclusively with home fans, and Celtic’s underlying numbers — stronger xG, more shots, fewer goals conceded — suggest they are performing better than the headlines imply.

With Benjamin Nygren and Kasper Hogh likely to start, a fast opening could tilt the tussle Celtic’s way. But back Rangers to find the net in a game that is unlikely to be decided by more than one goal.