Rangers vs Celtic: Old Firm Derby Predictions and Betting Tips for Crucial Clash
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Rangers vs Celtic Prediction: Scottish Premiership Betting Tips & Odds
Follow along for all the predictions from the Old Firm derby this weekend.
Becky Ashton Saturday 28 February 2026 18:00 GMT (PA)
Rangers vs Celtic Betting Tips
- Draw - 27/10 Coral
- Chermiti to score - 9/5 BetMGM
The Old Firm derby is a big enough game as it is, but this weekend’s meeting has the added edge of both sides still chasing the SPL leaders Hearts (12pm, Sky Sports Football). Derek McInnes’ side sit four points clear at the top of the league, but that lead could be seven points by kick-off on Sunday, should the Jambos beat Aberdeen on Saturday.
Both Old Firm sides slipped up in the title race last weekend when Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw at Livingston, while Celtic were beaten 2-1 at home by Hibernian. After the horrific starts to the season endured by both of the Glasgow sides, it’s amazing that either of them are still in with a chance of winning another league title.
Rangers failed to win any of their opening five league games under manager Russell Martin, who was sacked in October after just 17 games in charge. At the time of leaving, the club, which has won the SPL title 55 times, were eighth in the Premiership and trailed Hearts by 11 points. Martin, who won just five of his 17 games in charge, was replaced by Danny Rohl, who has since enjoyed 17 wins from his 29.
Celtic had their own problems after Brendan Rodgers left the club in October amid scathing criticism from the club's major shareholder, Dermot Desmond. The club were eight points behind Hearts then, but things got even worse following the permanent appointment of Wilfried Nancy. He won just two of his eight games in charge and led the club to four straight defeats for the first time since 1978.
Martin O’Neill returned for a second caretaker spell of the season, and so far he has won 15 of his 20 games in charge, losing just three. O’Neill was in charge when Celtic beat Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals, but the Hoops are yet to beat the Light Blues in the league this season and betting sites lean slightly towards Gers in what promises to be a tight game.
Rangers vs Celtic Betting Preview: Rivals Could Lose Ground in Title Tussle
Just two points separate the two sides in the league table, and Celtic have a game in hand, which makes this fixture even more important for the home side so they can stay in the chase. This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, and we’ve had a draw and a 3-1 win for each side so far.
The first meeting was a goalless draw back in August in the league before Celtic knocked their rivals out of league cup, at the semi-final stage, with a 3-1 after extra-time win at Hampden Park. The last meeting was at the turn of the year at Celtic Park, and it was the visitors who came out on top when they came from a goal down to win 3-1 thanks to a brace from Youssef Chermiti and a further strike from Mikey Moore.
Rohl’s side are unbeaten in their last four meetings at Ibrox, although two of the last three ended all square. Rangers are unbeaten in their last 11 games since a 2-1 defeat at Hearts in December, winning eight. However, Gers have drawn three of the last five and Celtic may emerge from Ibrox with something to show for their efforts.
Rangers vs Celtic Prediction 1: Draw - 27/10 Coral
Chermiti to Strike Again
Youssef Chermiti goes into the game with seven goals for the season, so far, including those two against Celtic last month. He also has a hat-trick to his name with three goals in the 4-2 win over the leaders Hearts just two weeks ago. The former Everton frontman is playing with a bit of confidence and his price on betting apps to score stands out.
Rangers vs Celtic Prediction 2: Chermiti to Score - 9/5 BetMGM
Rangers vs Celtic Team News
Rangers: Max Aarons returned to the squad last week after missing the last couple of games through injury, so he could be back in the starting XI but Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.
Celtic: Auston Trusty will miss the match through suspension after Celtic’s appeal against his red card was rejected. Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) remain out for the visitors.
Rangers vs Celtic Free Bets
Those looking to have a bet on the Old Firm on Sunday can earn £30 in free bets if they place a wager with talkSPORT BET. The offer is only open to new customers who sign up with talkSPORT BET and opt in to the Old Firm promotion. Next, bettors will need to make a first deposit of £10 or more.
Finally, punters will need to make a qualifying bet on Rangers vs Celtic. As per the offer, talkSPORT BET will match whatever amount is wagered, up to a maximum of £30. For example, if a bettor gambled £20 on the Old Firm, they’d receive £20 in free bets once the qualifying bet had been settled. Any free bets earned are split 50/50 between free bets on any sport and free bets on any football market.
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