Celtic welcome Rangers to Celtic Park on Sunday for the second Old Firm meeting in the space of a week, with the Hoops looking to respond after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in the League Cup quarter-final.
Celtic remain top of the Scottish Premiership after winning their opening six league matches, but Martin O’Neill’s side have endured a difficult few days following Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League defeat to Ferencváros. Rangers, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after their emphatic cup victory and a strong run of domestic form.
Immediate chance to respond
The league meeting gives Celtic an immediate opportunity to put last weekend’s result right, although Rangers will take encouragement from how effectively they disrupted their rivals in the previous encounter. Dan Neil scored twice in that 3-0 win, while Kevin Kelsy also found the net, and Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can reproduce the intensity that earned them a place in the League Cup semi-finals.
Celtic will need a much-improved performance after conceding 11 goals across their last three major matches. There is plenty at stake despite the season still being in its early stages. Celtic have a five-point lead over Rangers, meaning another victory would strengthen their position at the summit, while Rangers have the chance to close the gap and build further momentum.
Kick-off time and TV coverage
Celtic v Rangers takes place on Sunday, September 20, at 12pm at Celtic Park in Glasgow. The match is being shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Sky customers can stream events via the Sky Go app.
Team news
Celtic will be without Yang Hyun-Jun, who is away on international duty at the Asian Games, while Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Jota are among those unavailable through injury. Celtic also face a number of selection decisions following Thursday’s Europa League defeat, with goalkeeper and attacking positions among the areas attracting particular attention.
Rangers are without Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti, while McInnes is otherwise expected to have a relatively settled squad following a full week without a midweek fixture. Kevin Kelsy, who scored against Celtic last weekend, is among the players likely to retain his place.
