The top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash is set to be a cracker, but how will the match pan out? Here our Herald and Times sports writers offer their predictions.
Jonny McFarlane – Celtic 1 Rangers 1
Clement’s side are a totally different proposition to the one that meekly fell to defeat at Ibrox earlier this term under Michael Beale.
That said, it’s still a visit to Celtic Park with no away fans so the odds are unquestionably stacked against them. Both teams seem equally ravaged by injury.
While Brendan Rodgers’ men have regressed in quality from last year, the manager is still a canny operator in big games and capable of springing a tactical surprise. I suspect a tight, testy game where a draw works for both clubs will lead to parity on the day.
Aidan Smith – Celtic 2 Rangers 1
Both teams are heading into this one on a pretty level playing field in terms of squad strength and I reckon home advantage will prove key. With no away fans inside Parkhead Rangers will be up against it from the off, it is a sink-or-swim territory, especially with several players not having experienced this unique atmosphere before in the past.
There won’t be a lot in the game at all and I believe a single goal will separate the teams in the end with current champions Celtic just coming out on top. Fingers crossed for a competitive fixture with plenty of fire and quality on show.
David Irvine – Celtic 2 Rangers 2
There is no doubt Clement has transformed Rangers since the last meeting against Celtic – and if his attitude is anything to go by then his side won’t be powderpuff in the face of the big occasion surrounded by 60,000 home fans.
Instead, it could bring out the best in this Rangers team, and I’d be surprised if they didn’t score at Parkhead.
That said, I’d be just as stumped if Celtic failed to register in the derby encounter with Rodgers having masterminded many a memorable derby day triumph.
It’s not often the case, but on Saturday after an expected blockbuster opening, both sides may well end up being content with a point.
Ewan Paton – Celtic 0 Rangers 0
It’s not very often these teams fail to score, especially against one another, but I can’t see this one being a classic.
Of course, neither side ever accepts losing in the derby, however, with Celtic very wary of Rangers’ resurgence, and Rangers cautious that Celtic could extend the gap, both teams will be doing all in their power to ensure the game doesn’t end in defeat.
The visitors certainly come into this one in better form and probably with more self-belief. I can’t see a Brendan Rodgers side slumping on the big stage in Scotland though, so I’ll go for a closely-fought stalemate with the top of the table remaining as it is.
Matthew Lindsay – Celtic 1 Rangers 1
The loss of Cameron Carter-Vickers to injury is a serious blow to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of the cinch Premiership match against Rangers at Parkhead today.
But his opposite number Philippe Clement does not exactly have an abundance of options up front going into his first Old Firm game in the East End of Glasgow – Cyriel Dessers is the only specialist striker he has at his disposal.
It will be interesting to see which side is affected more by the absence of key men – but I expect honours to finish even in the second meeting between the age-old rivals this season.
Celtic, who came under fire from their own supporters after losing to Kilmarnock away and Hearts at home, have been far better in their last two league outings against Livingston and Dundee.
But Rangers have been vastly improved since Clement took charge in October and I am sure they will, despite the players they are missing at the back and in midfield, be far more competitive than they were when they were beaten at home by Celtic back at the start of September.
Graeme McGarry – Celtic 2 Rangers 1
Philippe Clement has made a hugely impressive start to life at Rangers, and he will be confident that his men can go into the lion’s den at Celtic Park and come out with a result after defying even greater odds in Seville against Real Betis.
But Brendan Rodgers, going into his 15th Old Firm fixture and facing up to his fifth Rangers manager, will be looking for his team to make a statement here, and just quell the momentum that is building on the other side of the city.
While both sides have injury problems, I feel that Rangers’ will have weakened them more, and Celtic should come out on top in the midfield battle. That platform should allow them to just shade the game.
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