Rangers and Celtic will face off for the second time in a week, this time in the Scottish FA Cup.
One of football’s fiercest rivalries returns to centre stage as Rangers and Celtic meet again at Ibrox in the Scottish FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon. Just a week after their dramatic 2-2 league draw, the Old Firm rivals collide once more, this time with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
Rangers have experienced a remarkable transformation since Danny Rohl took charge. Following a sluggish start to the campaign under Russell Martin, Rohl has revitalised the Gers, guiding them to 17 wins, seven draws and just six defeats across his first 30 matches in charge. In league play, the improvement has been even more pronounced: Rangers have lost only once in their last 21 Scottish Premiership fixtures, rapidly climbing back into the title race.
Despite that resurgence, recent dropped points have prevented them from fully capitalising on their momentum. Four draws in their last six matches have allowed Hearts to maintain a six-point lead at the summit, while Celtic have also leapfrogged their city rivals in the standings. Last weekend’s Old Firm clash particularly stung, as Rangers squandered a two-goal lead before settling for a 2-2 draw after Reo Hatate’s stoppage-time equaliser.
Nevertheless, the Gers will take confidence from their formidable form in this competition. They cruised through the previous rounds with emphatic 5-0 and 8-0 victories over Annan Athletic and Queen’s Park respectively. Additionally, Rangers have enjoyed a strong run in recent Old Firm meetings, losing just one of the last seven encounters with Celtic while claiming three wins and three draws.
Celtic, however, arrive with renewed belief under returning manager Martin O’Neill. After a difficult spell earlier in the season, O’Neill has steadied the ship since his January appointment, overseeing ten wins, three draws and just two defeats in his first 15 matches back in charge.
The Bhoys reinforced their recovery with a 2-1 victory over Aberdeen in midweek, a result that lifted them above Rangers into second place and within five points of leaders Hearts. Their comeback in last weekend’s derby also demonstrated a resilience that had been lacking earlier in the campaign.
Celtic’s FA Cup journey has been relatively comfortable so far, with wins over Auchinleck Talbot and Dundee setting up this heavyweight quarter-final showdown. However, the Bhoys will be especially motivated by memories of last season’s heartbreak, when they suffered a devastating penalty shootout defeat to Aberdeen in the final.
With both teams enjoying improved form and the fierce intensity that always accompanies an Old Firm encounter, Sunday’s clash promises to be another gripping chapter in this historic rivalry. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Team News & Tactics
Rangers
Rangers head into this Old Firm quarter-final with a few injury concerns affecting their squad depth. Midfielder Connor Barron, young prospect Bailey Rice, and defender Derek Cornelius are all currently sidelined through injury and will not be available for selection. There are no new suspension issues for Danny Rohl’s side, but the absence of these players reduces the options in midfield and defence.
In attack, however, there is positive momentum surrounding Youssef Chermiti, who produced an impressive display in last weekend’s derby by scoring twice, including a spectacular overhead kick. The striker’s form ensures he is expected to lead the line once again for Rangers on Sunday.
From a tactical perspective, Rangers are likely to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jack Butland should start in goal as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper. The defensive line is expected to feature Dujon Sterling at right-back, with John Souttar partnering Emmanuel Fernandez in central defence, while Tuur Rommens occupies the left-back position.
In midfield, Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani are expected to operate as the double pivot, providing defensive protection while helping Rangers transition from defence into attack. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield line should see Andreas Skov Olsen operating from the right flank, Mikey Moore in a central creative role, and Mohamed Diomande on the left, supporting forward movements and linking play between midfield and attack.
Leading the attack, Youssef Chermiti is expected to start as the lone striker. His physical presence, finishing ability, and confidence after last week’s brace will make him the focal point of Rangers’ attacking strategy as they attempt to secure a place in the Scottish FA Cup semi-finals.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Butland; Sterling, Souttar, Fernandez, Rommens; Raskin, Chukwuani; Skov Olsen, Moore, Diomande; Chermiti
Celtic
Celtic travel to Ibrox with several key players unavailable due to injury concerns. Midfielder Arne Engels, forward Callum Osmand, defender Alistair Johnston, centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, and winger Jota are all currently sidelined as they continue to recover from ongoing fitness issues.
Their absence limits options across defence and attack, particularly with Carter-Vickers and Johnston usually important figures in Celtic’s back line. There are no suspension issues reported for Martin O’Neill’s side heading into the Scottish FA Cup quarter-final.
One positive for the visitors comes in the form of Benjamin Nygren, who made a decisive impact in midweek by coming off the bench to score the winning goal in Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Aberdeen. The attacking midfielder is expected to return to the starting lineup after that influential cameo and will be tasked with helping drive Celtic’s attacking play in another intense Old Firm encounter.
Tactically, Celtic are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Viljami Sinisalo is expected to start in goal. The defensive line should consist of Julian Araujo at right-back, Benjamin Arthur partnering Liam Scales in central defence, and Kieran Tierney occupying the left-back role, providing both defensive solidity and attacking width.
In midfield, Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are expected to form the double pivot, combining McGregor’s leadership and passing control with Hatate’s energy and attacking thrust from deeper areas. Ahead of them, the attacking midfield trio should feature Sebastian Tounekti operating from the right flank, Benjamin Nygren centrally as the primary playmaker, and Daizen Maeda on the left wing, using his pace and pressing ability to stretch the Rangers defence.
Leading the line, Tomas Cvancara is expected to start as the lone striker. The Czech forward will be responsible for holding up play, attacking crosses, and converting chances as Celtic attempt to break through a Rangers defence in what promises to be another fiercely contested Old Firm showdown.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sinisalo; Araujo, Arthur, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Hatate; Tounekti, Nygren, Maeda; Cvancara
Key Stats
- Rangers have lost only one of their last seven Old Firm matches, recording three wins and three draws against Celtic during that span.
- Rangers have been dominant in the Scottish FA Cup so far, winning 5-0 against Annan Athletic and 8-0 against Queen’s Park in the previous rounds.
- Celtic have lost just two of their last 15 matches under Martin O’Neill, winning ten and drawing three since his return to the club.
- Celtic have not won at Ibrox since September 2023, highlighting the challenge they face away from home in this quarter-final tie.
Player to Watch
Youssef Chermiti
Youssef Chermiti will head into this Old Firm clash brimming with confidence after his standout performance in last weekend’s derby. The Rangers striker scored twice in the 2-2 draw against Celtic, including a spectacular overhead kick that underlined both his technical ability and composure in high-pressure moments.
Chermiti has quickly become a focal point in Rangers’ attack, offering a blend of physical presence, movement inside the box, and an eye for goal. His ability to hold up play allows the likes of Mohamed Diomande and Andreas Skov Olsen to advance into dangerous areas, while his aerial strength makes him a constant threat from crosses and set-pieces.
Against a Celtic defence dealing with several injury absences, Chermiti’s sharp movement and finishing instincts could prove decisive. If Rangers are to capitalise on their home advantage at Ibrox and book their place in the Scottish FA Cup semi-finals, the Portuguese forward is likely to play a central role in turning chances into goals.
Prediction
Rangers 2-1 Celtic
Old Firm clashes are rarely predictable, and with both sides meeting for the second time in a week, another fiercely contested encounter is expected. Rangers will take confidence from their strong recent record against Celtic and the advantage of playing at Ibrox, where the atmosphere often provides an additional edge.
Celtic, however, have shown resilience under Martin O’Neill and proved last weekend that they can recover from difficult positions. Their attacking pace and midfield creativity mean they will pose a serious threat, particularly if the match becomes open. Still, Rangers’ recent form in this competition and the confidence gained from their dominant cup performances could prove decisive.
