Celtic seek revival in Old Firm derby as Rangers aim to extend winning run
Celtic host Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, looking to recover from a 3-0 cup defeat to their rivals and a Europa League loss. A victory would move Celtic eight points clear, while a third consecutive defeat would leave Rangers just two points behind. Rangers manager Derek McInnes downplayed the absence of away fans but acknowledged the significance of the match.
Celtic enter Sunday's derby under significant strain after consecutive defeats, with manager Martin O'Neill acknowledging his squad must show greater inventiveness. A victory would stretch their lead over Rangers to eight points, while a third straight loss would shrink that advantage to just two points heading into the international break.
Rangers arrive with momentum, having won five consecutive matches with four clean sheets. Manager Derek McInnes dismissed the absence of away supporters as overhyped but stressed his team cannot expect an easy afternoon. Celtic will assess players injured against Ferencvaros, while Rangers face a doubt over striker Ryan Naderi's ankle injury and have queried the Scottish FA regarding a challenge on him.
This fixture carries weight beyond the title race, as Old Firm matches shape the emotional landscape of Scottish football supporters across the country. A Celtic collapse could deepen fan disillusionment and intensify scrutiny on O'Neill's recruitment, while a Rangers win may galvanise belief in their revival. The result could influence attendances, broadcast interest, and the broader narrative around Scottish football's competitiveness, affecting clubs, sponsors, and communities who look to the derby as a cultural touchstone.