Preview: Celtic vs. Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

The Old Firm derby will take place on Wednesday night as the two top teams in the SPL compete, with Celtic aiming to close the gap between themselves and the current table toppers Rangers.

Both clubs head into this match in great form, and with only two points separating them right now, everything is to play for as the title race heats up.

Match preview

© Reuters

Celtic shall be aiming to climb to the top of the SPL table in midweek, where a victory against their Old Firm rivals will see them leapfrog Rangers into pole position.

The Hoops have been chasing them throughout the entire campaign, but now they have the chance to achieve that feat in front of their own fans at Celtic Park, providing them with the perfect backdrop.

Ange Postecoglou guided his team to a 1-0 victory at the weekend against Dundee United, in what was a hard-fought game where a 90th-minute goal from Liel Abada provided the difference.

Celtic managed to achieve that despite being down to 10 men following Nir Britton's red card, which means that the Hoops will be without the central midfielder on Wednesday night.

However, the squad do head into this game with a 13-match match undefeated streak behind them in all competitions, which gives them as much confidence as possible for what will be their biggest contest of the season so far.

© Reuters

On the other hand, Rangers were held to a draw at the weekend in a frantic game against Ross County, who are fighting for survival in the league, as they battled it out to finish 3-3.

Amad Diallo had given his team the lead in the opening five minutes, but the Staggies fought back to go ahead themselves until James Tavernier and Connor Goldson regained the advantage.

However, the Gers threw away a potential three points in the 96th minute, as Matthew Wright scored a crucial goal for his team, marking the second time since the winter break that Rangers have failed to win a game.

While the squad have only lost once all season in the league, the recent form has allowed Celtic to catch up to them in the table, placing some real pressure on this particular fixture.

They will be hoping that a repeat of their earlier meeting this season will take place, which saw Rangers take all three points with a close 1-0 win.

Team News

© Reuters

Celtic could be boosted by the return of club captain Callum McGregor for the derby game, after he returned to training this week following his facial injury, which could be important following Briton's red card.

Daizen Maeda is also expected to be in contention to play according to Postecoglou, providing the Hoops boss with further options as they head into the important encounter.

Rangers fans who were hoping to see deadline signing Aaron Ramsey make his debut will be disappointed, as the former Juventus and Arsenal midfielder will not be in the squad for this match, as was confirmed by the manager.

Filip Helander is also unavailable for the Gers due to injury, but the league leaders will be able to welcome back Leon Balogun, who has been confirmed as fit and ready to play.

However, the club will be missing striker Alfredo Morelos, as he is currently on international duty with Colombia, which could open the door for Kemar Roofe to start.

Celtic possible starting lineup:
Hart; Ralson, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Scales; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Abada, Forrest, Giakoumakis

Rangers possible starting lineup:
McGregor; Tavernier, Goldson, Bassey, Barisic; Arfield, Kamara, Aribo; Kent, Diallo, Roofe

We say: Celtic 2-1 Rangers

Old Firm derby games are always close, and this one should be no different, especially considering how little separates them in the league position, with Celtic having the chance to go top.

Because they are in slightly stronger form right now, and the fact that they have the home advantage, this could be a day that the Hoops take the victory.

Previews by email