Over 100 years of bitter rivalry between two of Scottish football’s greatest, the Glasgow derby is back. There are not many derbies in the world that come close to the history drenched fixture of Celtic vs Rangers. In the latest instalment of this fiery showdown, Celtic Park hosts Rangers on Sunday, 16 March 2025.
First vs Second, like they always have been for the longest of time in the land, there is a lot riding on the game. If you’re looking to make some money on the clash, make your selection from the list of best football betting sites and receive competitive odds.
Historical Significance
The rivalry started in 1888. 137 years of pure hatred in this match and they have to date, cancelled each other out in their 444 clashes. Yes, you can read that again. In the over 400 games these two have contested, the record reads 170 wins each and 104 games finished in a draw.
Celtic held the record by one but early last month were pegged back as Rangers equalled the tally in emphatic style. The Gers ran out three-nil winners on the day as Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper and Danilo put the league leaders to the sword at Ibrox.
Current Season Overview
Celtic FC
The Bhoys have been undoubtably the best team in the land. The lead their bitter rivals, Rangers by a considerable margin and have been blowing teams away with their dominant performances in the Scottish Premiership this season. Brendan Rogers’ side have scored the most goals and conceded the least as they sweep all before them in the division.
The log-leaders have been excellent and only lost twice all season in the league while an impressive performance over two legs in the Champions League saw them narrowly knocked out of the competition by Bayern Munich. The Scottish side were dealt a dagger in the last minute when Alphonso Davies tapped home from close range. It was a valiant performance from Rogers’ chargers however.
The hosts come into the clash having lost just once this year in the league and will be in high spirits to welcome their familiar foes.
Rangers FC
The Teddy Bears have been having a difficult season to date. Head coach Phillipe Clement was shown the door after the recent loss to St. Mirren left them way off the pace in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.
The standards are high at the club and unsurprisingly, the pressure to win is high. Especially after Celtic winning another title last season. There is still a chance to close the gap in the second half of the season and a potential six pointer in the clash for Rangers to look forward to though.
Tactical Insights
Celtic’s success this campaign under Rogers is great to watch for the neutral. The 52-year-old has got the Bhoys playing great football. The attack is fluid and they press high to win the ball back in dangerous positions. The home team are also devastating out wide and on the counter. Celtic Park fixtures are also daunting for all visitors.
Rangers have been inconsistent of late which has ultimately led to the sacking of their head coach, Clement. They were dominant in the reverse fixture just a month ago so will want to recreate that performance come Sunday. A huge win could spur them on for the rest of the season as they try to claw back first-placed Celtic.
Expect the visitors to sit deep and try to hit Celtic on the counter attack.
Expert Opinion: Celtic vs Rangers
Celtic come into the clash in great form while the visitors have been inconsistent lately. Rangers did thrash Celtic 3-0 just a month ago, highlighting how you should never consider form when it comes to derbies like this one.
With Rangers in a bad space after sacking their coach and Celtic playing such good football, it is hard to see any other winner on the day besides Celtic. Especially at Celtic Park and after what happened in the reverse fixture. Expect the Bhoys to win in front of the Celtic faithful.
