Celtic welcome Rangers in the first Old Firm Derby of 2026 at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon.
Two sides searching for momentum after frustrating festive periods meet on New Year’s Day, as Celtic welcome Rangers to Celtic Park in a Scottish Premiership clash that carries significance in the grand scheme of things in the league.
Celtic have not been up to it in the 2025/26 season, squandering their stronghold to Hearts and falling three points behind the table-toppers after a frustrating first two-thirds of the campaign. The Hoops have already parted ways with Brendan Rodgers, and Wilfried Nancy has struggled since taking over from Martin O’Neill, winning two and losing five of the seven games he has overseen.
The situation is not much different for Rangers, as like their bitter rivals, they have parted ways with one manager this season. Danny Rohl, like Nancy, has lost five games as the head coach, but he has won eight matches while overseeing three draws. That has helped Rangers bring the gap to the top-two teams down in recent weeks.
The reverse fixture ended in a goalless draw at Ibrox, while Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 win in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.
Team News & Tactics
Celtic
Celtic head into the Old Firm derby still managing a lengthy injury list, although Wilfried Nancy is expected to stick with a largely unchanged XI despite the disruption. The Hoops remain without Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Marcelo Saracchi, all of whom continue their recovery from various injuries.
In addition, Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha are unavailable after being called up for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, further limiting Celtic’s attacking depth. Despite these absences, Nancy is likely to show faith in the group that has featured in recent outings, hoping for greater cohesion and resilience in a high-pressure derby environment.
Celtic are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 system, aiming to remain compact defensively while using energy and movement in advanced areas to unsettle Rangers. Kasper Schmeichel is set to start in goal, bringing experience and composure at the back. The three-man defence should feature Anthony Ralston on the right, Auston Trusty as the central defender, and Kieran Tierney on the left, providing a blend of physicality, pace, and ball progression.
In midfield, Yang Hyun-jun is likely to operate as the right wing-back, with Luke McCowan expected to feature on the left flank, offering width and energy. Central midfield duties should be handled by Arne Engels and captain Callum McGregor, with Engels tasked with linking play and McGregor providing leadership, ball retention, and tempo control.
Further forward, Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda will operate in the two advanced attacking roles behind the striker. Their pace and off-the-ball movement will be key to pressing Rangers high and creating overloads in wide areas. Leading the line, Johnny Kenny is expected to spearhead the attack, tasked with occupying defenders and converting any opportunities that come his way.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Tierney; Hyun-Jun, Engels, McGregor, McCowan; Nygren, Maeda; Kenny
Rangers
Rangers arrive at Celtic Park with a number of absentees to contend with, continuing a trend that has tested their squad depth in recent weeks. Nasser Djiga is unavailable after being called up for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Oliver Antman, Nedim Bajrami, and Derek Cornelius remain sidelined through injury. Their absence limits options in both wide and defensive areas, placing added responsibility on the available senior players.
Despite those setbacks, Rangers are expected to maintain continuity in key areas of the pitch. Jack Butland will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper, offering experience and composure in what is expected to be a high-pressure derby environment. With limited alternatives, manager Danny Rohl is is likely to rely on a familiar core to navigate the intensity of the occasion.
Rangers are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 system that prioritises structure and transitional threat. Jack Butland will start in goal, providing leadership and shot-stopping reliability.
The defensive line should feature James Tavernier at right-back, offering attacking width and delivery from deep areas. John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez are expected to form the central defensive pairing, while Jayden Meghoma is likely to operate at left-back, tasked with balancing defensive duties and forward support.
In midfield, Thelo Aasgaard is set to play in a more advanced central role, while Nicolas Raskin will anchor the midfield, responsible for ball recovery and distribution. Mohamed Diomande is expected to complete the trio, providing energy, physicality, and box-to-box movement.
Further forward, Djeidi Gassama is likely to feature on the right wing, with Mikey Moore operating from the left. Both players will be asked to stretch the pitch and support counter-attacks. Leading the line, Youssef Chermiti is expected to start as the central striker, offering presence in the box and linking play in advanced areas.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Butland; Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma; Aasgaard, Raskin, Diomande; Gassama, Chermiti, Moore
Key Stats
- Celtic are unbeaten in their last 14 league meetings with Rangers, winning nine and drawing five since their last defeat in the Premiership.
- Rangers have lost just once in their last 10 league matches.
- Celtic have scored in 16 of their last 17 home league games.
- Rangers have conceded only one goal in their last three away league fixtures.
- Each of the last four Old Firm derbies at Celtic Park has seen both teams score.
Player to Watch
Daizen Maeda
Maeda remains one of Celtic’s most relentless attacking outlets and could prove decisive in the Old Firm clash. Known for his explosive pace, tireless pressing, and direct running, the Japanese international thrives in high-intensity matches where space opens up during transitions. Against a Rangers side that may look to sit compact and counter, Maeda’s ability to stretch the back line and force defensive errors could be crucial.
Beyond his work rate, Maeda has developed greater composure in the final third this season, contributing with important goals and assists at key moments. His movement off the ball often creates space for teammates, particularly in quick counter-attacks and second-phase play. If Celtic are to unsettle Rangers’ defensive structure, Maeda’s pressing from the front and willingness to attack channels could be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of this Old Firm encounter.
Prediction
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
Despite their recent inconsistency, Celtic tend to rise to the occasion in Old Firm derbies, particularly at Celtic Park, where the atmosphere often fuels an aggressive and emotionally charged performance. Rangers arrive in improved form under Danny Rohl, but their injury list and reliance on a relatively young attacking unit could hurt them in a high-pressure environment.
Expect a fiercely contested first half, with both sides trading spells of control, but Celtic’s intensity and wider attacking threat, especially through Daizen Maeda, should eventually tilt the balance. Rangers may threaten on the break, yet Celtic’s experience in these fixtures and home advantage could prove decisive late on.