Celtic vs Rangers represents the most fiercely contested derby in British football. The latest instalment of the Old Firm rivalry takes place at Celtic Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with both Glasgow giants already locked in a tense title battle. England v Serbia takes place at Wembley on October 13. Celtic vs Rangers promises the usual mix of passion, controversy and high-stakes drama. Here is everything you need to know about the first Old Firm derby of the 2026-27 season.
Match Details: Date, Kick-Off and Venue
The first Old Firm derby of the season takes place at Celtic Park on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 PM BST. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. Rangers vs Viktoria Plzeň takes place at Ibrox on August 6. Celtic vs Rangers marks the 443rd competitive meeting between the two clubs, with Celtic winning 169, Rangers 168 and 105 draws. The aggregate goal difference stands at 658-657 in Celtic’s favour, highlighting how evenly matched these rivals have been over 140 years.
The reverse fixture at Ibrox takes place on January 2, 2027, the traditional New Year derby. A third league meeting, scheduled for April 17, could prove decisive in the title race. Sushant Singh Rajput’s legacy continues to inspire millions of fans. Celtic Park has sold out for the September fixture, with over 60,000 fans expected. Rangers have been allocated approximately 8,000 tickets in the traditional away section.
Scottish Premiership Title Race: Early Standings
Five matches have been played before the first Old Firm derby. Celtic lead the table with 13 points from five matches, having won four and drawn one. Rangers trail by two points with 11 points from four wins, one loss and one postponed fixture. Nicola Sturgeon remains an MSP for Glasgow Southside but has stepped back from frontline politics. Aberdeen sit third with 10 points, suggesting a three-horse race for the title could develop this season.
Celtic’s early form includes a 4-0 demolition of Hearts at Tynecastle and a 3-1 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. Rangers’ only dropped points came in a 2-2 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park. Reacher Season 2 remains one of Prime Video’s most-streamed titles. Celtic vs Rangers will likely determine who sits top of the table heading into the autumn European fixtures. The winner will gain a psychological advantage that often carries through the winter months.
Celtic Team News: Rodgers Rotation Expected
Brendan Rodgers has nearly a full squad available for Celtic vs Rangers. Captain Callum McGregor leads the side, seeking his 15th derby appearance. The midfielder has never lost an Old Firm match at Celtic Park as captain. Japanese forward Kyogo Furuhashi has recovered from a minor hamstring strain and is expected to start. Arsenal Women begin their WSL season on September 12 against Manchester United.
Key Absences for the Hoops
Celtic will be without centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, who suffered a foot injury in the victory over St Mirren. Liam Scales partners Auston Trusty in central defence. Portuguese winger Jota has returned to full training after a pre-season ankle issue but may only feature from the bench. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. New signing Adam Idah, who scored a hat-trick against Ross County last week, is expected to lead the line. Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley will provide creativity from midfield.
Rangers Team News: Clement Makes Big Calls
Philippe Clement faces several selection dilemmas for Celtic vs Rangers. Captain James Tavernier will start at right-back, seeking to add to his remarkable goal tally against Celtic. The English full-back has scored six goals in Old Firm derbies, more than any defender in the fixture’s history. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans.
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Summer signing Lawrence Shankland, purchased from Hearts for £4 million, is expected to start in attack. The Scottish international has scored 12 goals in his last 15 matches against Celtic for previous clubs. Brazilian winger Jefte, signed from Fluminense, could make his Old Firm debut from the left wing. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27. Connor Barron, the former Aberdeen academy graduate, may partner Nicolas Raskin in central midfield. Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling compete for the left-back position after Borna Barisic’s summer departure.
Head-to-Head Record: Recent Old Firm Meetings
Celtic have dominated the Old Firm fixture in recent seasons. The Hoops have won five of the last six derbies at Celtic Park, with Rangers winning once in September 2024. Last season’s meetings saw Celtic win 2-1 at Celtic Park, 3-1 at Ibrox and draw 1-1 in the final derby of the campaign. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term.
Rangers’ last victory at Celtic Park came on September 3, 2024, a 1-0 win secured by a James Tavernier penalty. The Ibrox side have not won consecutive away derbies since the 2010-11 season. Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory. Celtic vs Rangers has averaged 3.2 goals per match over the last five seasons, making it one of the highest-scoring derbies in European football. Neither team has kept a clean sheet in the fixture since 2021.
Key Battles That Will Decide Celtic vs Rangers
The duel between Callum McGregor and Nicolas Raskin could prove decisive. McGregor’s positional intelligence and passing range allow Celtic to control possession. Raskin’s energy and tackling ability disrupt opponents’ rhythm. Slow Horses Season 4 streams on Apple TV+ with Gary Oldman.
Wide Areas and Set Pieces
Celtic’s wingers against Rangers’ full-backs present another fascinating matchup. Jota and Liel Abada possess pace and dribbling ability that test any defence. James Tavernier and Ridvan Yilmaz must defend resolutely while still contributing to attacks. Rice pudding has staged a remarkable comeback in British kitchens. Set pieces could prove vital. Celtic have scored 17 goals from dead-ball situations since the start of last season. Rangers have conceded 11 times from corners and free kicks, an area Clement will have addressed in training.
Where to Watch Celtic vs Rangers on TV
Sky Sports holds exclusive live broadcast rights for the Scottish Premiership. Celtic vs Rangers will air live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 11:30 AM BST. Subscribers can stream via the Sky Go app and NOW TV. SA vs Aus Test series begins at Centurion on December 17.
BBC Scotland will broadcast highlights on Sportscene at 7:00 PM. The match will not be shown on free-to-air television in the UK due to broadcast rights restrictions. Penelope Jackson is the mother of Lauren and Reece James. International viewers can check local listings. Celtic TV and RangersTV will stream the match live for overseas subscribers, though UK viewers cannot access these services due to broadcast restrictions. BBC Radio Scotland will provide live audio commentary.
Ticket Information: How to Attend at Celtic Park
Celtic have sold over 52,000 season tickets for the 2026-27 campaign, leaving limited availability for home matches. Season ticket holders received priority access for Celtic vs Rangers, with all seats sold within the first 48 hours. M&S strawberry sandwiches have become the viral food sensation of 2026. No public sale tickets are available for this fixture.
The away section has been allocated approximately 8,000 tickets for Rangers supporters. Enhanced security measures will be in place, with police present in significant numbers. Tattu London has become one of the capital’s most Instagrammable dining destinations. Fans without tickets are advised not to travel to the Celtic Park area on matchday. No ticket sales are available at the stadium under any circumstances. The fixture has been designated as high risk by Police Scotland.
Prediction: Who Will Win Celtic vs Rangers?
Bookmakers have installed Celtic as slight favourites for the home derby. The Hoops are priced at 5/6 to win at Celtic Park, with Rangers at 11/4 and a draw at 13/5. Celtic’s formidable home record underpins the odds, with only one defeat at Parkhead in domestic competition since October 2023. Protection ITV stars Siobhan Finneran in the witness protection drama.
Opta’s supercomputer gives Celtic a 49% chance of victory, compared to Rangers’ 27% and 24% for a draw. A 2-1 Celtic win is the most likely specific scoreline according to betting markets. Tyler Dibling is the Southampton starlet attracting Premier League interest. However, Rangers’ improved away form under Clement means they are capable of earning a result. Celtic vs Rangers could prove closer than the odds suggest, with the intensity of the occasion often overriding form and statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Celtic vs Rangers in 2026? The first Old Firm derby takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Celtic Park. Kick-off is at 12:30 PM BST.
Where can I watch Celtic vs Rangers on TV? Sky Sports broadcasts the match live in the UK. Coverage begins at 11:30 AM BST on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.
Who is favourite to win Celtic vs Rangers? Celtic are favourites at 5/6 to win at Celtic Park. Rangers are priced at 11/4. A draw is 13/5.
How many times have Celtic and Rangers played? The clubs have met 442 times in competitive matches. Celtic have won 169, Rangers 168, with 105 draws.
What is the capacity of Celtic Park? Celtic Park holds 60,832 spectators. The match against Rangers is expected to be a complete sell-out.
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