In one of the most important Old Firms in years, Rangers still have the upper hand despite starting the weekend in second, but Celtic have won both meetings so far this season.

Match preview

Rangers' James Tavernier celebrates scoring their second goal on February 18, 2024 © Reuters

This season has produced arguably the most fascinating title race for years in Scotland, with both dropping points more often than in any recent campaign.

Both have won back-to-back league games after a remarkable weekend in early March saw both lose, and even though Celtic lead the way, Rangers still have a crucial game in hand.

Heading into the weekend, and with just two rounds of fixtures remaining until the Premiership splits, Celtic are on 74 points and Rangers have 73, with Philippe Clement's side travelling to Dundee this coming midweek in that game in hand.

That means a home win here and a victory over Dundee would move Rangers five points clear with just six games of the season to play, something many would see as an unassailable advantage.

A 3-1 win over Hibernian at the weekend means Clement can clinch his 20th league win in charge of Rangers here, after just 23 games in charge.

Rangers need a change of fortune fast in this fixture though, as they have won just one of the last nine Old Firm derbies, losing six.

This could be the first time the Gers have lost the first three Old Firm clashes of a season in 20 years, and Brendan Rodgers's record of winning 12 out of 15 in charge of Celtic will provide the visitors with plenty of optimism.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts on March 10, 2024 © Reuters

Celtic have dropped seven points in their 10 games during 2024 so far though, something that has been virtually unheard of in these parts in recent years.

After Rangers lost at home to Motherwell last month, to then lose at Hearts the following day was a disaster, especially after missing an early penalty.

The response has been excellent though, reaching the League Cup semi-finals and recording back-to-back wins over St Johnstone and Livingston, to keep the pressure on Rangers heading into this season-defining fixture.

Anything but a win here will be a huge disappointment, though, given the positioning of the two clubs, as a point will still leave Rangers in the ascendancy.

Rangers Scottish Premiership form:

Rangers form (all competitions):

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

Celtic form (all competitions):

Team News

Rangers' Abdallah Sima celebrates scoring their first goal December 14, 2023 © Reuters

Abdallah Sima could make his first Rangers start since January 2 after returning from injury off the bench last weekend against Hibs.

Clement has a decision to make at left-back, as Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling are both back from injury, but Borna Barisic has more match fitness in his legs.

There is no doubt about who will start on the opposite side of defence, as James Tavernier set a new all-time British record last week by becoming the top scoring defender in league history with 131.

Celtic have been able to welcome Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers back from recent setbacks, and the two are set to start here.

Captain Callum McGregor could also make his comeback after recovering from injury to make a first appearance since the 7-1 win over Dundee.

Luis Palma is out injured, but Nicolas Kuhn has been in superb form since coming into the side, and got a goal and an assist in the win over St Johnstone.

Rangers possible starting lineup:
Butland; Tavernier, Goldson, Souttar, Yilmaz; Diomande, Lundstram; Sima, Cantwell, Fabio Silva; Dessers

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda

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We say: Rangers 3-1 Celtic

Is it set to be a tense and full-blooded battle between Scotland's finest, and a raucous Ibrox will be confident of pushing their side over the line as Rangers can return to the summit here.

Celtic have not looked convincing at all in recent weeks, and against much stronger opposition, Rodgers's side may come undone, despite their recent excellent record in this fixture.

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