The stage is set for a showdown of titanic proportions as Celtic faces off against Rangers at Celtic Park on January 3, 2026. With only six points separating the teams in the Scottish Premiership table, this clash isn't just about local pride; it's a battle with championship implications that could dictate the course of the season. Both clubs come into this match with contrasting recent fortunes, and if one team has momentum, it's surely Rangers. Can Celtic stave off their recent struggles and turn the tide?
Predicted Lineups: For Celtic, expect: GK: Kasper Schmeichel, DEF: Kieran Tierney, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, MID: Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Yang Hyun-Jun, FWD: Benjamin Nygren, Daizen Maeda.
On the other side for Rangers: GK: Jack Butland, DEF: James Tavernier, Emmanuel Fernandez, John Souttar, Dujon Sterling, MID: Nicolas Raskin, Mohammed Diomande; FWD: Youssef Chermiti, Thelo Aasgaard, Bojan Miovski.
Let's dig into what both sides bring to this monumental matchup.
Recent Form: Contrasting Trajectories
Celtic's recent form is nothing short of alarming for fans who expected dominance. A brutal loss against Motherwell (0-2) showed an embarrassing lack of attacking threat - they didn't even register a shot on target! What makes matters worse? They followed that defeat with another shaky performance against Dundee Utd and a Cup final loss to St Mirren. Their average possession remains impressive at around 65%, but without converting that control into goals-only four scored in five matches-they appear toothless in attack.
Meanwhile, Rangers have quietly climbed back into contention after back-to-back wins against ST Mirren and Motherwell have brought them some much-needed confidence. They've displayed commendable defensive solidity alongside their attacking prowess; over their last two matches alone they've tallied three goals while conceding just one. The most glaring difference? Their ability to finish chances-evidenced by forward Bojan Miovski's striking form with 17 goals this season-has propelled them up the standings.
Tactical Patterns and Key Battles
As we approach this monumental encounter at Celtic Park, it's critical to analyze tactical battles likely to unfold. Celtic, under pressure from fan expectations following recent disappointments and unable to find consistency in attack or defense-having conceded multiple goals in key fixtures-needs to find its rhythm fast. Rangers will exploit every defensive error.
A pivotal statistic reveals Celtic's shooting struggles-they average just 13 total shots per game lately-but that doesn't tell the full story since only around 33% hit the target. In stark contrast, Rangers' defense has tightened considerably; their structure in recent matches has resulted in solid pass completion rates above 80%. In particular, look out for captain James Tavernier's influence on both ends of the pitch: his delivery from set pieces will be essential if Rangers want to unsettle a shaky Celtic defense.
Possession might tilt towards Celtic as they've dominated previous encounters statistically (averaging over 60% possession), but it'll mean little if they can't create clear-cut chances against a resolute Rangers backline. And given that the old firm rivalry tends to spark unexpected events-it could also lead to high fouls given each team's fierce competitive nature (Celtic averaged more than ten fouls per game recently)-set-pieces may well determine who walks away victorious.
Players Who Will Define This Encounter
Every derby showcases heroes-and for Celtic right now, that spotlight must shine brightly on forward Benjamin Nygren. After netting nine goals so far this season-including four in his last two appearances prior to their slump-he must break free from defenders like John Souttar if he aims to make an impact.
For Rangers? The attention turns squarely toward Bojan Miovski who stands not only as their top scorer but also has found crucial moments when games are on the line-his late-game heroics have kept hope alive all season long for fans craving silverware again.
In midfield though lies another focal point: If Callum McGregor steps up his game for Celtic while outshining Raskin during set-piece battles will dictate where territorial advantages fall. Their success hinges on finding offensive balance combined with staunch midfield stability-the crux of modern football.
Conclusion: Hot Take Prediction
Given all these factors-the remarkable comeback journey witnessed from Rangers vs Celtic's wobbling ship-I'm going bold here: I predict Rangers will triumph with a decisive scoreline of 3-1. It may sound audacious given they are visiting an electric atmosphere at Celtic Park where home fans expect fireworks-but current form favors Rangers like few rivalries do!
Expect Miovski and Chermiti cutting through what seems an overwhelmed defense led by those fading Hoops! Unless something miraculous happens before kickoff-like a dramatic turnaround-we're looking at a team ready not just for victory but asserting dominance once more as potential title challengers!