MY ACCOUNT
– Celtic are undefeated in 90 minutes in last seven games against Rangers
– Both teams have scored in five of the last six Old Firm clashes
– Recommended Bet: Back Celtic win & Both teams to score
Celtic can move one step closer to clinching the Premiership title when they host Old Firm rivals Rangers at Parkhead in Saturday’s early Easter kick-off.
The Hoops have maintained a nine-point lead over the Light Blues since the post-World Cup resumption of hostilities in December with the Glasgow giants posting matching records of 14 wins and a draw.
That draw came when the two sides last met at Ibrox as Kyogo Furuhashi grabbed a late equaliser to deny Michael Beale’s men the win.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglu praised the character his side showed in securing all three points at Ross County on Sunday as the champions responded to Rangers’ home victory over Dundee United the previous day.
Team news
Alexandro Bernabei, whose late strike settled it for Celtic on Sunday, is on standby to deputise for regular left-back Greg Taylor.
The Scotland international was forced off in Dingwall after taking a knock, although Postecoglu later expressed confidence that he would be able to face Rangers.
Celtic were without midfielder Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy on Sunday, but both are expected to be available for selection after returning to training.
Liel Abada faces more time on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the recent international break, while James Forrest and Anthony Ralston will also likely be unavailable because of fitness problems.
Rangers’ injury list is starting to clear up, with the likes of defensive duo Ridvan Yilmaz and John Souttar both returning to action in recent weeks.
Ianis Hagi missed out through illness but is expected to come back into the reckoning, while centre-back Leon King and midfielder Nicolas Raskin are due to return to training this week.
Winger Rabbi Matondo, who has flattered to deceive at Ibrox since joining from Schalke last summer, was also included in the matchday squad against the Terrors for the first time in almost three months.
With Steven Davis (ACL), Filip Helander (foot), Kemar Roofe (calf) and Tom Lawrence (knee) ruled out until the summer, Michael Beale has a couple of big decisions to make on Saturday, including whether to stick with Alfredo Morelos up front or allow Antonio Colak to lead the line.
The stats
Both clubs have each won their last 10 league games with Rangers last winning 11 in a row in back in January 2021 during their title-winning campaign under Steven Gerrard (15 wins).
Celtic have won each of their last 15 matches across all competitions, their longest such run since March 2017 under Brendan Rodgers (17).
Thirteen of Celtic’s last 15 league goals have been scored in the second half of matches.
Prediction
Rangers have to win this game to stand any realistic chance of catching Celtic by May and that should ensure an open, attacking contest.
Unfortunately for them, however, that scenario is likely to suit a Celtic side that were made to struggle when Ross County denied them any space around the penalty area last weekend.
The Hoops have better players at finding and exploiting those spaces and ought to give the home fans plenty to cheer about come the final whistle.
Both teams have scored in five of the last six Old Firm clashes and it seems likely that it could happen again, particularly as Celtic were fortunate not to concede to the second-bottom Staggies last weekend.
But Rangers’ recent record at Parkhead suggests another disappointing return trip from Glasgow’s East End awaits their travelling contingent.
Back Celtic to win and both teams to score at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet.
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