Scottish football gets off to a lively start in 2023 today with the Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic.
It is Michael Beale’s first time in this world-famous rivalry fixture as a manager, though he of course has plenty of experience of the big occasion dating back to his time as Steven Gerrard’s assistant.
Still, the former QPR boss will be desperate to get that first derby win under his belt quickly, with Rangers on a run of four consecutive victories since he replaced the sacked Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month.
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However, they still trail Celtic by nine points after 19 games apiece at the Scottish Premiership summit, with Ange Postecoglou’s ultra-confident side having won all but one of their league matches so far this term.
A 4-0 thumping of Hibernian after Christmas saw the free-scoring Hoops notch their 12th successive victory, with 61 goals netted already this term and only 15 conceded.
Another comprehensive triumph on enemy territory on Monday would lay down another enormous marker in their seemingly inexorable march to a 53rd domestic league title and their 11th in the last 12 seasons.
Date, kick-off time and venue
The latest Old Firm derby is scheduled for a 12:30pm GMT kick-off today, Monday, January 2, 2023.
The match will take place at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow.
Where to watch Rangers vs Celtic
TV channel: In the UK, Rangers vs Celtic will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 11:30am.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the game live online via the Sky go app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Rangers vs Celtic team news
Starting XI: McGregor, Tavernier, Goldson, Davies, Barisic, Lundstram, Kamara, Sakala, Tillman, Kent, Morelos.
Subs: McLaughlin, Jack, Colak, Sands, Wright, Roofe, Arfield, King, Devine
Starting XI: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley, Forrest, Kyogo, Maeda.
Subs: Bain, Giakoumakis, Abada, Mooy, Jota, Kobayashi, Bernabei, Abildgaard, Juranovic
Rangers vs Celtic prediction
Rangers have received a vital lift from the familiar Beale’s appointment, reeling off four straight victories including five-goal thrillers against Hibs and Aberdeen.
More recently they have kept back-to-back clean sheets against both Ross County and Motherwell, with confidence suddenly high as they plot a first victory over Celtic since August 2021.
However, how you go about stopping this Celtic team in their current rich vein of form is anyone’s guess.
Postecoglou’s team are an absolute juggernaut at present whose only domestic blip so far this season came against St Mirren all the way back in September.
They will relish a feisty Ibrox battle and back themselves to continue that extraordinary winning run.
Celtic to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Celtic won the only previous meeting this season back in September, with a brace from Liel Abada and further efforts from Jota and Turnbull securing an emphatic 4-0 thrashing at Parkhead.
Rangers boast the advantage in the all-time head-to-head standings, but have not beaten their fiercest rivals in their last four attempts.
Rangers wins: 168
Celtic wins: 162
Draws: 101
Rangers vs Celtic match odds
Rangers win: 12/5
Celtic win: Evens
Draw: 27/10
