The Old Firm Derby, the name for the head-to-head matches between Celtic F.C and Rangers F.C, is arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated football events Scotland has on offer and gains international attention all around the globe. Still, this merely showcases what I feel Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C, two of Scotland’s histories most successful and well-known football clubs, when they meet each time make the rivalry of the match. This article provides Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups, prediction match, team news, live score updates, and previews in-depth of their game.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. lineups
The first 11s are always on my mind before kickoff. Since both of these teams are very strong, it will come to be which of the teams starts better.
Celtic F.C. Starting Lineup
The gaffer will take the pitch with a very aggressive starting lineup for Celtic. For the past few games, Celtic has been moving towards the 4-3-3 system. Celtic has an extremely solid defense but also an equally fast forward line.
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart – Been solid between the sticks for Celtic.
Defense:
- Right-back: Alistair Johnston – Tireless runner down his flank.
- Center-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers – Strong, reliable defender. A fundamental player for shutting down Rangers’ attacks
- Center-back: Carl Starfelt – Good partnership alongside Carter-Vickers.
- Left-back: Greg Taylor – Quick, with excellent defensive cover plus good movement forward when needed
Midfield:
- Midfield: Callum McGregor (Captain) – The heartbeat in midfield for Celtic
- Midfield: Reo Hatate- Dynamic midfielder but one who sometimes fancies a trip forward rather than holding up in midfield
- Attacking Midfielder: Matt O’Riley- Creativity here and a goal in him too
Attack:
- Right Wing: Liel Abada- That blisteringly quick right wingman who always seems to find himself on the counter attack
- Center Forward: Kyogo Furuhashi- Great clinical striker, half chances always converted.
- Left Wing: Daizen Maeda- Seeks to offer the pace and quickness out on the flank which really can be very trouble-some for Rangers’ defense on that side.
Rangers F.C. Lineup
Traditionally, Rangers have been using 4-2-3-1. This gives them the ability to deliver defensive solidity when required but can change defense into an attack at a very swift speed.
Goalkeeper: Jack Butland – The new signing for Rangers is tall, athletic, and he wants to shut out the strikers of Celtic’s opponent.
Defense:
- Right Back: James Tavernier (Captain) – He has been instrumental in getting Rangers’ attacks from their own back.
- Center-back: Connor Goldson – A defensive leader in the making for Rangers and a monster in the air.
- Center-back: John Souttar – Another prolific defender, going great with Goldson.
- Left-back: Borna Barišić – Good crossing and some quality defensive work.
Midfield:
- Center Midfielder: Nicolas Raskin – Controls the game but also does a great job with breaking up attacks
- Center Midfielder: John Lundstram – A strong midfielder but an eye for a long-range effort.
- Attacking Midfielder: Todd Cantwell – Creative, always a threat
Attack:
- Right Wing: Rabbi Matondo Quick, with good skills. He is dangerous on the counters.
- Center Forward: Danilo He is clinical in front of goal, ready to punish on any deficiency by the defense.
- Left Wing: Abdallah Sima Provides some speed and unpredictability as the third man in the Rangers’ attack.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Result Predictions
Such a potent and historical match as the Old Firm Derby will never permit a straight forecaster of the eventual winner. Both the teams have enjoyed great form in the Scottish Premiership, and battle for supremacy is always intense. However, Celtic has entered this match with an edge as they have started their season unbeaten and shall be at home.
Meanwhile, Rangers would be looking to prove something with some significant signings backing them up. It may shape up into an even game with both sides scoring. however, the firepower, especially with a lone striker in the form of Kyogo Furuhashi, should make all the difference for the Bhoys.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers.
Celtic F.C. vs Rangers F.C. Team News
Celtic F.C.
Celtic heads into this game with a few key injuries. The areas that have most been affected in the backline are those without Stephen Welsh and Mikey Johnston. The core strength, however has been constant in midfield and attack though. Brendan Rodgers ensured that, despite the setbacks the side was subjected to, the organization has been in place, especially with both Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi having phenomenal form.
Rangers F.C.
Rangers are also wary of injuries. Centre back Leon Balogun is expected to miss the match while Kemar Roofe’s injury problems don’t seem to be improving anytime soon. Manager Michael Beale will be relying on his new signings like Danilo and Jack Butland to deliver in this mammoth encounter.
Meanwhile, Rangers have also strengthened their team with a number of incoming players up for transfer during the summer window which can all make the difference in their quest for the Scottish Premiership title.
Live Score and How to Watch
A Celtic F.C. vs. Rangers F.C. is always a must-watch among UK and world football events. The online sites and applications dedicated to offering live scores of home fans are the BBC Sport site, Sky Sports, and live commentary on apps like FlashScore and FotMob.
How to Watch
- Live for UK Viewers on Sky Sports Football and Main Event.
- International Viewers: Much of its channels allow live streaming based on location – ESPN, beIN Sports, among others.
- Live Streaming: This will also be live streamed on for viewers who may miss it on television via the NOW TV and Sky Go, among others, where there will be a live stream of the match
Live Match Statistics to Watch Out For:
- Possession percentages
- Number of goals on target
- Kyogo Furuhashi and James Tavernier player performances
- Corner and free-kick opportunities
Preview of the Match
Old Firm is more than a football game. It is something steeped in tradition, passion, and deep-rooted rivalry. The reigning champion enters the game with Celtic F.C. intent on further establishing authority over their rivals. Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have seen more victories under their name since he took over the reins. The great attacking play of high intensity has been superbly backed by a very hard defensive set-up which is not very easy to break down.
However, the Rangers F.C. would look to prove a point and have huge hunger for silverware as they place second, having finished last season. Michael Beale has imbued a lot of resilience in his team, whereas the new signings with players like Danilo and Todd Cantwell have raised the dimension of their attacks.
This is going to be a real nail-biter game for both teams, but it all finally boils down to which team can handle stress better on the given day. It’s going to be an exciting and high-tempo match because of the attacking mindset that both these teams boast of.
Final Thoughts
Celtic F.C. and Rangers F.C. Not merely a game, it’s something more enormous and above just a football match. Indeed, it has been six matches since the last encounter between Old Firm, and one could hardly expect anything but high drama replete with clashes and tackles coupled with some scintillating moments from both teams.
Be it Celtic or Rangers, one thing you are definitely sure of when these two arch-rivals face each other is that there will be electricity in the air, and nothing better than this level of stakes. So, get ready for the line-ups, the live score, and the thrill of one of the most exciting games in world football.
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