Old Firm Derby Returns as Rangers Host Celtic After European Exits
The first Old Firm clash of the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season is set for Sunday, with Rangers welcoming Celtic to Ibrox in a match that promises atmosphere, bragging rights, and a fresh turn of the season after surprising European results.
What you need to know
– Date and time: Sunday, August 31, 7 a.m. ET
– Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
– TV: CBS Sports Network
– Odds: Rangers +250; Draw +260; Celtic -106
Context and recent form
– European shocks have added extra bite to the fixture. Rangers were dumped out of Champions League playoff contention by Club Brugge, losing 9-1 on aggregate, while Celtic were eliminated by Kairat Almaty in a shock defeat that will fuel both clubs’ desire for a quick domestic rebound.
– Domestic form going into the derby has a clear split. Rangers have opened the season with three draws in their first three league matches under manager Russell Martin, while Celtic, under former Liverpool and Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, have started with three consecutive wins.
Possible lineups
Rangers XI: Jack Butland; James Tavernier, Nasser Djiga, John Souttar, Jayden Meghoma; Joe Rothwell, Nicolas Raskin; Oliver Antman, Mohamed Diomande, Djeidi Gassama; Danilo Pereira.
Celtic XI: Kasper Schmeichel; Tony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney; Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels; Benjamin Nygren, Hyun-jun Yang, Daizen Maeda.
What to watch for
– Atmosphere and intensity: The Old Firm derby is renowned for its raucous environments at both Ibrox and Celtic Park, and this edition should be no different as teams look to shake off European disappointment with a strong league statement.
– Key battles: Midfield combat between Rangers’ creative options and Celtic’s ball retention will be critical. The influence of midfield figures in Lewis-like form (as reflected in the listed names) could swing momentum in tight moments.
– Momentum shift: A positive result at home could reset morale after European exit news; for Celtic, sustaining early-season momentum is crucial to keep pressure on rivals and in the title race.
Analysis and outlook
– The dramatic European results have added narrative weight to a fixture that historically carries pressure and pride in equal measure. Rangers will be eager to prove they can rebound quickly from a heavy continental setback, while Celtic will want to translate strong domestic form into a platform for a title challenge.
– Tactically, both managers will weigh rotation with the need for a strong, assertive performance. This game often acts as a springboard for the rest of the season, and a positive result could set the tone for the months ahead.
Summary
Sunday’s Old Firm derby is more than a domestic fixture; it’s a turning point moment, offering Rangers a chance to reclaim momentum at home after a tough European night and giving Celtic an opportunity to consolidate their early-season form. With high stakes, passionate atmospheres, and tangible implications for the season’s trajectory, this clash promises a memorable chapter in Glasgow football.
Additional notes
– Expect intense rivalry reminders from both camps, along with a display of tactical adjustments as teams balance recovery from European disappointments with the demands of league competition.
– If you’re following the match live, pay attention to how each side handles set pieces and quick transitions, as those moments often decide tight Old Firm games.