Glasgow is destined to be ablaze with the Old Firm rivalry when Celtic invites Rangers to Celtic Park on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 12:30 GMT. With referee Steven McLean supervising events at the venerable 60,411-capacity stadium, this collision in the Scottish Premiership Round 30 promises great stakes and fierce football action.
While Rangers, under temporary manager Barry Ferguson, seek to preserve their modest title ambitions, Celtic, the runaway league leaders, want to confirm their supremacy with a potential 19-point gap at the top. This is a must-watch football event rich in rivalry and legacy since the Premiership title race could veers here in a crucial direction.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
Get ready for a deep dive into the Celtic vs Rangers prediction today. This section primes you for key details, from recent form to historical clashes, that shape this iconic matchup. We’ll unpack the numbers behind both teams’ latest performances and their head-to-head battles. Expect actionable insights to guide your betting decisions. Let’s set the stage for what’s driving this Old Firm showdown.
Current Scottish Premiership Standings for Celtic vs Rangers March 16, 2025
Celtic lead with 76 points after 29 games, therefore sitting 16 points clear of Rangers before delving into the standings.
Celtic Results
With most opponent in the Scottish Premiership steamrolled, Celtic has been a powerhouse this season. Brendan Rodgers’s squad is firing on all cylinders; their Celtic Park stronghold is still a difficult nut to crack. Their current form combines attacking flair with defensive solidity to show a side in title-winning form.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 09.03.25 | SC | Celtic vs Hibernian | 2-0 | W |
| 01.03.25 | PRE | St. Mirren vs Celtic | 2-5 | W |
| 25.02.25 | PRE | Celtic vs Aberdeen | 5-1 | W |
| 22.02.25 | PRE | Hibernian vs Celtic | 2-1 | L |
| 18.02.25 | CL | Bayern Munich vs Celtic | 1-1 | D |
Celtic’s four wins in their last five games underline their consistency. The lone loss to Hibernian stands out as an anomaly against a backdrop of dominant displays. Their goal-scoring prowess 15 goals in five matches shows a team peaking at the right time. Defensively, they’ve been stingy at home, which bodes well against Rangers. The draw at Bayern Munich hints at resilience that could shine in this high-pressure derby.
Rangers Results
Rangers’ season has been a rollercoaster, with inconsistency plaguing their title challenge. Barry Ferguson’s interim stint has brought mixed results, leaving the Gers scrambling to find rhythm. Their recent Europa League penalty drama against Fenerbahce might lift spirits, but league form remains a concern.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | W/L |
| 13.03.25 | EL | Rangers vs Fenerbahce | 0-2 (3-2 pens) | L/W |
| 06.03.25 | EL | Fenerbahce vs Rangers | 1-3 | W |
| 01.03.25 | PRE | Rangers vs Motherwell | 1-2 | L |
| 26.02.25 | PRE | Kilmarnock vs Rangers | 2-4 | W |
| 22.02.25 | PRE | Rangers vs St. Mirren | 0-2 | L |
Rangers’ two wins and three losses in five games paint a picture of fragility. The Europa League triumph offers hope, but conceding goals regularly nine in five exposes defensive cracks. Their away form has been patchy, a worry against Celtic’s home dominance. Fatigue from midweek exertions could play a role. A response is overdue, but the odds stack against them.
Celtic vs Rangers Head-to-Head
The Old Firm derby carries a rich history, with Celtic holding the upper hand lately at home. These clashes are often tight, fueled by passion and tactical nous from both sides. Recent meetings provide a clear trend worth dissecting.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 02.01.25 | PRE | Rangers vs Celtic | 3-0 |
| 15.12.24 | LC | Celtic vs Rangers | 3-3 (5-4 pens) |
| 01.09.24 | PRE | Celtic vs Rangers | 3-0 |
| 25.05.24 | SC | Celtic vs Rangers | 1-0 |
| 11.05.24 | PRE | Celtic vs Rangers | 2-1 |
Celtic’s eight straight home wins over Rangers at Celtic Park leap off the page, though Rangers’ 3-0 rout in January snaps that streak on their turf. Four of the last five games saw Celtic triumph, often by narrow margins. Goals flow freely in this fixture, averaging over three per game here. Rangers need to defy history to turn the tide. Their away struggles suggest an uphill battle.
Predicted Lineups for Celtic vs Rangers Football Match
The anticipated starting elevens for both teams in this football clash are laid out in this part. Form and injuries have moulded these choices, revealing how each side might approach the game tactically.
Celtic Possible Starting Lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Johnston (DF), Carter-Vickers (DF), Trusty (DF), Schlupp (DF), Engels (MF), McGregor (MF), Hatate (MF), Kuhn (FW), Maeda (FW), Jota (FW)
Rangers Possible Starting Lineup: Butland (GK), Tavernier (DF), Souttar (DF), Balogun (DF), Jefte (DF), Raskin (MF), Lawrence (MF), Cerny (MF), Diomande (MF), Hagi (MF), Dessers (FW)
Unavailable Players
Injuries can tilt the scales in a match this tight here’s who’s sidelined for both teams.
| Team | Player | Position | Reason |
| Celtic | James Forrest | FW | Foot Injury |
| Celtic | Paulo Bernardo | MF | Ankle Injury |
| Rangers | Neraysho Kasanwirjo | DF | Injury |
| Rangers | Connor Barron | MF | Suspected Injury |
Key Factors to Watch
This Old Firm clash hinges on more than just talent it’s about form, mentality, and fine margins. Both teams bring strengths and vulnerabilities to the pitch. Here’s what could decide the outcome:
- Celtic’s Home Dominance: Undefeated in their last eight home derbies against Rangers;
- Rangers’ Fatigue: Midweek Europa League exertions might sap their legs;
- Injuries: Celtic miss Forrest and Bernardo; Rangers sweat on Barron’s fitness;
- Jota’s Impact: His return could spark Celtic’s attack;
- Rangers’ Defense: Nine goals conceded in five games signal weakness;
- Fan Boost: Away supporters back at Celtic Park for Rangers after two years;
- Celtic’s Scoring Streak: 15 goals in five matches show lethal form;
- Title Implications: A Celtic win could bury Rangers’ hopes; a Gers victory keeps them alive.
Free Tips on Celtic vs Rangers
These tips zero in on practical pointers for this specific Celtic vs Rangers clash. They’re drawn from deep stats and context, avoiding overlap with earlier insights. Here’s how to approach this match smartly:
- Check Player Fatigue Levels: Rangers’ Thursday night thriller against Fenerbahce means less recovery time watch for sluggishness, especially in the second half, against a fresher Celtic side that last played a week ago;
- Focus on First-Half Trends: Celtic often start fast at home, scoring in the opening 45 minutes in four of their last five league games consider betting on an early breakthrough;
- Monitor Set-Piece Threats: Celtic’s height advantage with Carter-Vickers and Trusty could exploit Rangers’ shaky defending on corners and free kicks, where they’ve conceded thrice in five games;
- Look at Substitution Impact: Rodgers’ bench depth, with players like Kuhn and Hatate, contrasts with Rangers’ thinner options late changes could swing the game;
- Weather Watch: March in Glasgow can bring rain, potentially slowing Rangers’ counter-attacking style while favoring Celtic’s possession game on a slick Celtic Park pitch.
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Celtic vs Rangers Match Prediction 2025
Celtic enter this clash as favorites, and for good reason. Their 16-point lead isn’t just luck it’s built on a relentless home record and a squad clicking in all areas. Rangers’ spirit might be lifted by their Europa League heroics, but their league form (three losses in five) and defensive leaks suggest they’ll struggle to contain Celtic’s firepower. Jota’s return adds flair to an already potent attack, while Rangers’ fatigue from midweek could blunt their edge. The Celtic vs Rangers odds reflect this, likely skewing heavily toward the hosts. History backs this too eight straight home derby wins don’t lie. Rangers’ 3-0 upset in January was an outlier on their patch; away, they’ve faltered consistently. A tight game is possible, but Celtic’s momentum and depth should prevail. We see them edging it 2-1, with a late goal sealing the deal. Rangers will fight, but Celtic’s title march looks unstoppable here.
Our Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Rangers
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Celtic to Win | 1.62 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 1.55 |
This prediction leans on Celtic’s superior form and home advantage, but Rangers’ desperation could keep it close. Don’t miss out place your bet and ride the Old Firm rollercoaster. The bet on the match – Celtic vs Rangers you can make on bc.game, a platform offering competitive odds and a seamless experience. Whether you’re backing the Bhoys or hoping for a Gers upset, it’s the perfect spot to test your instincts on this Scottish football classic.
