Rangers — Celtic : Match Preview and Prediction for August 31,2025

Rangers’ Season Opening Woes

Rangers have had a disastrous start to the season. Under new coach Russell Martin, by the 4th round of the Scottish Premiership and ahead of the “Old Firm derby”, the Ibrox hosts have yet to secure a single victory in the Scottish Premiership (3 draws). Furthermore, in the Champions League qualifiers, the team completely faltered under pressure from Club Brugge (0-6, 1-3) both at home and away.

European and Domestic Struggles

Their progress past Plzeň earlier in the Champions League qualifiers (1-2, 3-0) remains the sole positive for the Blues this season. However, this is far from sufficient, especially when compared to Celtic, to whom Rangers have unconditionally conceded supremacy in Scotland in recent years. Hamza Ighamane and Dujon Sterling will miss this “Old Firm derby” against “the Celts” due to injury.

Celtic’s European Disappointment

Brendan Rodgers’ team also stumbled in the Champions League qualifiers, failing to overcome Kairat. Despite appearing superior in play and squad composition in both legs, the aggregate 0-0 scoreline, both at home and away, led to a penalty shootout defeat in Almaty.

Dominant Domestic Form

The participant of the previous Champions League knockout stage was let down by their finishing, as they created more chances than the Kazakh champions. However, in the Scottish Premiership, this more skilled and cohesive squad, in contrast to Rangers, remains undefeated. Three clean sheet victories against St. Mirren (1-0), Aberdeen away (2-0), and Livingston (3-0) showcase the potential of this team, which appears more stable and formidable than Rangers across many aspects. Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, and Jota will miss this “Old Firm derby” due to various injuries.