It's the game which brings a city to a standstill and it's extra special on Scottish Cup semi final weekend.
And now Rangers and Celtic will do it all over again as they face off for the fifth time this season with both teams itching to end the season on a high by booking a showdown with Inverness in the Final. Michael Beale is hell-bent on securing silverware, however, their need is no greater than their rivals as Ange Postecoglou aims to keep his side's hunt for another Treble alive and know seeing off their closest challengers will put them in prime position to do so.
The stakes couldn't be higher as the Glasgow giants meet again at the national stadium with the winner returning to duke it out with Inverness on June 3. But who will it be? Record Sport writers share their unflinching opinion as eyes gather for another expected classic in Mount Florida.
Keith Jackson
They might say there’s nothing much between Glasgow’s big two but the truth is anything other than a Celtic win would come as a major surprise. Ange Postecoglou is tried and tested in this fixture and his team is packed with performers who have made a habit of delivering on derby day. Rangers, on the other hand, have too many key men who flatter to deceive when the heat is really on.
Rangers 0 Celtic 2
Craig Swan
Celtic have the hold over Rangers at the moment and their better and more-clinical attacking weapons can once again give them the edge over their biggest rivals.
Rangers 1 Celtic 2
Andy Newport
Celtic hold the whip hand in the derby contests currently but I can see this being another tight affair. Rangers will be determined to cut out the mistakes that have cost them dear in the last couple of derby head-to-heads but it’s difficult to keep the Hoops out when they get up to top speed.
Rangers 0 Celtic 1
David McCarthy
This could be a lot tighter than many are predicting and could go all the way to penalties. Rangers have got close enough to Celtic in two of their three clashes under Michael Beale to suggest they can compete and even the one in which Celtic were the better side - the League Cup final - there was only one goal in it. I can both teams scoring and it going all the way to a shoot out, in which anything can happen, but if it does go that far, Allan McGregor has a decent record at saving spot kicks and that could just sway it in Rangers’ favour.
Rangers 2 Celtic 2 (Rangers win on penalties)
Gordon Parks
If Celtic play as they can there’s only one winner. The Hoops have all of the class acts in the attacking areas while Rangers will need to hope for them to have an off day and that some of their main men step up the plate by for one being a major influence. Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are points in case.
Rangers 0 Celtic 2
Scott Burns
I just think Celtic have too much firepower compared to Rangers. The Hoops have more game changers and threats and that is the area where the semi-final is likely to be won. Rangers have to hope Alfredo Morelos brings his A game because if he doesn’t it could have that same old familiar outcome.
Rangers 1 Celtic 2
Gavin Berry
Michael Beale's side have to change to narrative and they can do it but it will take an almighty effort. Connor Goldson's return will be key as they have missed his presence hugely in the heart of defence. It's going to take everything coming together on the day but they have shown, the Viaplay Cup final defeat aside, in the three meetings since Beale took over that they can compete.
Rangers 1 Celtic 1 (Rangers to win on penalties)
Fraser Wilson
An even closer affair than the last three derbies, this one I reckon will go beyond the 90 minutes. With Hatate, Abada and Jota declared fit Celtic have more quality at their disposal across the park. But Rangers’ season is in last chance saloon and that should see them push the Hoops to the limit. The form of Celtic’s forwards again will be decisive.
Rangers 1 Celtic 2 (after extra time)
