Rangers v Celtic preview: Glasgow rivals meet in first derby of the season

The new Scottish Premiership season welcomes the first Glasgow derby of the campaign as Steven Gerrard’s Rangers face Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic team at Ibrox on Sunday.

We preview the match below.

Rangers to continue their domestic dominance?

Rangers were last seen in league action when facing Ross County on the road and the fans wanted a convincing performance having lost their previous outing to Dundee United – and it was heard loud and clear, with the champions scoring four goals.

Gerrard’s side were ruthless in attack, but problems persisted at the back as the Staggies still managed to find two of their own. The first for County was from a terrible mix-up at the back and the second, an unfortunate handball and penalty.

However, the goalscorers for the Gers that day were Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo, Connor Goldson and Scott Arfield, showing a diverse range of scoring options and fluidity in attack.

Colombian forward Morelos is beginning to find his feet again and can be expected to continue his scoring ways in this derby on Sunday at 6/4 anytime, while he’s also 9/2 to be the first scorer.

Celtic on the resurgence?

Postecoglou was actually the second choice for Celtic manager after they were reportedly turned down last minute by Eddie Howe. The former Socceroos boss got off to a poor start after being knocked out of the Champions League at the earliest opportunity, but things finally appear to be going his way.

The Bhoys lost their opening game of the season away to Hearts in Edinburgh but have since responded with back-to-back wins and have already scored 13 goals in three league games, keeping a clean sheet in each of their last two outings.

A pleasing factor for Postecoglou would have been how the new signings have settled in so quickly, already starting to make their presence known with Kyogo Furuhashi a key cog in their attack. ­The Japanese international has already established himself with a hat-trick at Celtic Park.

Confidence is high in the away dressing room, and the Hoops will be hoping Furuhashi can lay down a marker on Sunday. He is 6/4 to score anytime.

Who will come out on top?

This is one of the most exciting fixtures anywhere in Europe this weekend and it promises to be the most competitive Glasgow derby we’ve seen in a long time.

Rangers are hoping to show why they are champions and burst their opponent’s bubble early. Celtic are keen to prove that last season was a fluke, with the Hoops back in business.

It’s set to be a tight affair – both Rangers and Celtic are 8/5 to win, with the draw priced at 21/10.

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