Who will win Rangers vs Celtic? Our writers deliver their predictions for New Year curtain raiser at Ibrox
The new year is upon us and what better way to kick off the Scottish football calendar with a tasty Old Firm clash at Ibrox?
Philippe Clement's Rangers welcome Celtic to Govan off the back of disappointing results against Motherwell and St Mirren that have left them trailing the Hoops at the top of the Premiership by a staggering 14 points. Belgian Clement is yet to taste victory in the Glasgow derby but will take confidence from his side's display against Brendan Rodgers' men in the Premier Sports Cup Final last month.
The Light Blues came from behind twice to force extra time and penalties and eventually succumbed to their city rivals in the dreaded shootout. But for Rodgers, the victory was even sweeter, with the former Liverpool and Leicester boss getting his hands on the one trophy that eluded him in his first season back in Glasgow's east end last year. The Irishman's team are unbeaten in their last 19 matches in all competitions and will be confident of coming away with all three points in the lion's den to pile more pressure on Clement. Ahead of the mammoth showdown at Ibrox, Record Sport's top team have had their say on how they see the game panning out.
Michael Gannon
These look like perilous times for Philippe Clement and he can’t afford another winless encounter with Celtic. He might have to accept one though as the Hoops look too strong. Gers will have to go for it and make it another wild encounter and we could see another thriller like Hampden a few weeks ago.
Rangers could cause a shock and come out on top if the Ibrox crowd stays with them. But it’s hard to see Celtic losing and they might settle for a high octane draw.
Rangers 2 Celtic 2
Keith Jackson
When Celtic dropped points against Aberdeen earlier this season they made sure of a statement win over Jimmy Thelin’s team nex time out at Hampden. This feels similar, coming hot on the heels of a cup final thriller. The champions won’t just want to win at Ibrox - they’ll want to lay down a marker for the New year.
Rangers 1 Celtic 3
Scott Burns
It is looking a long way back for Philippe Clement and Rangers. They have home advantage but on current form you can’t see past Celtic. The one positive was their Premier Sports Cup performance but I’m not sure they can reproduce those levels.
Rangers 1 Celtic 3
Graeme Young
Brendan Rodgers has experienced defeat only once in 20 games in charge on the green side in this fixture, a record without comparison. But the Irishman remains acutely aware of the potential pitfalls which await at Ibrox. Celtic’s strength in depth is pronounced with top quality being harshly left in reserve. The runaway leaders can hit a level even Rangers at their pomp would find hard to quell. Arne Engels appears primed for a signature day.
Rangers 1 Celtic 3
Mark Pirie
It’s hard to see beyond another Celtic victory. Philippe Clement comes into the game off the back of two disappointing performances and momentum appears to be with the hosts. The luckless streak on derby day for the Belgian looks likely to rumble on.
Rangers 1 Celtic 2
Anthony Evans
Rangers gave a good account of themselves against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup final 17 days ago. But truth be told, the champions were well short of their best and on another day would have breezed past their rivals to lift the trophy without the need of a penalty shootout.
The Hoops are on a roll and I just can't see Philippe Clement ending his derby hoodoo by getting one over Brendan Rodgers at Ibrox. One thing I can see however is a goalfest.
Rangers 2 Celtic 4
