Rangers vs Celtic

<h2>Old Firm Derby: Celtic's Perfect Start Meets Rangers' Rebuilding Phase</h2> The first Old Firm clash of the 2025-26 season arrives at a pivotal moment, with Celtic's flawless start contrasting sharply against Rangers' concerning inability to secure victories under new manager Russell Martin. <h3>Team News and Tactical Outlook</h3> Rangers face significant absences with <strong>Cyriel Dessers</strong> sidelined until mid-September due to knee issues, while long-term casualties <strong>Dujon Sterling</strong> and <strong>Jota</strong> remain out. <strong>James Tavernier</strong> has shouldered the scoring burden with two penalties from three matches, highlighting their offensive struggles. The defensive partnership of <strong>John Souttar</strong> and <strong>Nasser Djiga</strong> has been solid but faces their sternest test. Celtic travel to Ibrox with <strong>Adam Idah</strong> doubtful due to a knock and <strong>Alistair Johnston</strong> out until November with hamstring problems. However, the emergence of <strong>Benjamin Nygren</strong> as their primary goal threat (3 goals in 3 matches) has offset concerns. <strong>Kasper Schmeichel's</strong> perfect defensive record and the composed center-back pairing of <strong>Cameron Carter-Vickers</strong> and <strong>Liam Scales</strong> provide the foundation for Celtic's early success. <h3>Form Analysis and Key Patterns</h3> Rangers' three consecutive 1-1 draws reveal a team struggling with game management despite showing character. Their late equalisers against Motherwell (87th minute), Dundee (90th minute), and St. Mirren (78th minute) demonstrate resilience but also defensive vulnerability in crucial moments. Celtic's perfect record includes narrow victories that required late interventions - particularly <strong>Luke McCowan's</strong> 87th-minute winner against St. Mirren. Their ability to grind out results while maintaining clean sheets suggests mental strength that could prove decisive in Glasgow's east end. <h3>Historical Context and Momentum</h3> The recent head-to-head record heavily favors Celtic, with victories in their last three encounters against Rangers. Celtic's dominance extends beyond individual matches - they've won 13 of the last 14 Scottish titles, establishing psychological superiority that Russell Martin must overcome. <h3>Tactical Battle</h3> Expect Celtic to leverage their superior away form and defensive solidity. <strong>Callum McGregor's</strong> midfield control will be crucial in dictating tempo, while <strong>Daizen Maeda's</strong> pace on the counter-attack poses constant threats. Rangers must find ways to break down a Celtic defense that hasn't conceded in 270 minutes of league action. The battle between <strong>Kieran Tierney's</strong> attacking runs down the left and <strong>James Tavernier's</strong> forward thrust from right-back could determine the game's flow. Both players offer significant attacking output while carrying defensive responsibilities. <h3>Weather and Atmosphere</h3> Late summer Glasgow conditions should favor an open, high-tempo encounter. The Ibrox atmosphere will be electric as Rangers supporters demand a statement performance from their rebuilt squad, while Celtic fans travel with justified confidence following their dominant start. <h3>Prediction</h3> Celtic's perfect defensive record, superior recent form, and psychological advantage over Rangers make them favorites. Rangers' drawing habit and late defensive lapses suggest they'll struggle to contain Celtic's varied attacking threats. A narrow Celtic victory seems most likely, with their superior game management proving decisive in a typically tense Old Firm encounter. The match promises to be a defining moment for Russell Martin's Rangers tenure and could set the early tone for another potential title race, though Celtic's early season superiority suggests they're already establishing the foundation for sustained success.