Rangers have the chance to go level on points with SPL leaders Celtic in the second Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday.
Steven Gerrard’s side are currently three points behind the champions, though they have already played one more match.
Rangers will only go above Celtic if they win by a big margin, so Brendan Rodgers’ men are likely to go into the new year at the top of the table.
But this is the closest the two Glasgow sides have been in terms of quality for some time, which could result in a tight contest at the Ibrox.
Read on for Rangers v Celtic TV channel options, team news, predicted XIs, stats, tips and more.
When is Rangers v Celtic?
Competition: Scottish Premier League
Venue: Ibrox Stadium
Date: Saturday 29th December
Kick-off: 12.3opm GMT
Match preview
Celtic won the first Old Firm Derby of the season 1-0 at Celtic Park in September, consigning Gerrard to his first defeat as Rangers boss after 13 games in charge.
Rangers are now without a win in 10 top-flight encounters with Celtic, losing eight and drawing two. It is Rangers’ longest ever run without a victory over Celtic in the competition.
Back in September, Celtic dominated the game despite the narrow margin of victory, and there were early suggestions the SPL title would be yet another walk in the park for the Bhoys.
However, the champions have failed to pull away in the title race with Rangers, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen all hot on their trail.
Celtic dispatched Aberdeen 4-3 on Boxing Day, all but ending one of their challengers’ chances of catching up.
The visitors will be even more eager to extend their lead over their fierce rivals Rangers, especially at a packed Ibrox.
Where can I watch live?
Viewers in the UK can watch Rangers v Celtic on Sky Sports Main Event, available through Sky TV channel 401 or Virgin TV channel 501.
Can Gerrard consolidate a “perfect six months” at Rangers?
Rangers have won just two of their last six matches, falling to a draw against Hibernian at Ibrox on Boxing Day. However, they remain in a promising position in the table going into 2019, and Gerrard believes his side are close to certifying a “perfect” start to his time at the club.
“I feel we’re a couple of results away from having the perfect six months, if you like,” the former Liverpool captain said, according to BBC Sport.
“We have to bring our A game. We’re playing against a good team with good players. They will be well drilled, I know that for sure.
“We know that we have to bring our best to get the result we want. I’m confident the players can do that.”
“Celtic will show respect”
Former Swansea and Manchester City forward Scott Sinclair bagged a hat-trick against Aberdeen on Boxing Day. He has scored four goals in his last three league appearances, and Rangers will have to be wary of the threat he poses.
Rodgers says Celtic will respect the hosts while focusing on their own game.
“We just have to approach the game as we always do with our own way of working, respect Rangers are a good team, some very good results this year, and we will give them the respect that they deserve, as we do every team, and look to focus on our own game, look to play well and get a win,” Rodgers told reporters.
Has Gerrard hinted at a Morelos exit?
Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has scored 20 times in 33 appearances across all competitions so far this season, including 12 goals – and seven assists – in 18 SPL games. As a result, there has been talk of a possible January exit, and Gerrard has said he is expecting offers for his star striker next month.
Gerrard said: “I’m expecting bids. He’s a top player. He’s scored 20 goals before the turn of the year. I expect him to go on and achieve 30. I’d be more surprised if there are no bids, to be honest.
“I’m sure there will be other bids for other players, too. That’s what happens when you’re surrounded by good footballers.”
Head-to-head
This will be 415th Old Firm derby across all competitions. Rangers have won just three more than Celtic, who have caught up over the last few seasons.
Since Rodgers took over as manager, Celtic have won 10 and drawn two of their meetings with Rangers. Can Gerrard end Celtic’s dominance in Glasgow with a victory on Saturday?
Rangers wins: 159
Draws: 99
Celtic wins: 156
Team news
Rangers are likely to be without injured quartet Connor Goldson, Gareth McAuley, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack, while Graham Dorrans and Jamie Murphy are both definitely out with knee injuries.
️SG: Still some injury decisions to make after today's training session. It's not ideal in terms of availability but we will still have a good team to put out. We are not ruling anyone out until after today's training session.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 28, 2018
Left-back Kieran Tierney is a doubt for Celtic with a hip problem.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 28, 2018
Predicted Rangers XI: McGregor; Tavernier, Katic, Worrall, Halliday; McCrorie; Candeias, Coulibaly, Jack, Middleton; Morelos.
Predicted Celtic XI: Gordon; Boyata, Benkovic, Izaguirre; Brown, Rogic; Forrest, Christie, McGregor; Sinclair.
Rangers vs Celtic betting tips from FansBet
Click here for Rangers v Celtic betting tips and enhanced odds from FansBet.
What a way to finish off 2018 in the Scottish Premiership, as Rangers welcome bitter rivals Celtic in the Old Firm Derby. First v second, Gerrard v Rodgers, Rangers v Celtic, whichever way you look at this clash it has box office written all over it. With Celtic now three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, this is one that Steven Gerrard’s team cannot afford to lose. Form Labs bring you their betting preview and tips for the much-anticipated clash and don’t forget to check out our massive selection of enhanced odds for the game.
Read on HERE.
The post Rangers v Celtic predictions, match preview & betting tips appeared first on Squawka News.
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