Rangers vs. Celtic Tips and Odds – 04/05/2025

• Fixture: Rangers vs Celtic (Scottish Premiership)
• Date: Sunday, 4 May 2025
• Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

Match Preview

This Old Firm derby at Ibrox arrives with the two Glasgow giants in contrasting moods. Celtic, fresh from sealing their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, are brimming with confidence after a run of high-scoring wins, including a 5-0 demolition of Dundee United last weekend. Rangers, meanwhile, are desperate to salvage pride after a winless run that has seen them slip 17 points behind their rivals. The Gers are winless in their last five league games and have not tasted victory at home in three months, a run that has left fans frustrated and the squad under pressure to respond in front of their own supporters.

The recent form guide highlights the gulf between the sides. Celtic have won their last three matches, scoring five goals in each, and boast an impressive 102 goals in 34 league games this season. Their only recent blemish was a 3-2 defeat to Rangers in March, which gives the hosts a psychological edge-they’ve won both league meetings against Celtic in 2025. However, Rangers’ own form is patchy: they’ve drawn their last two matches 2-2, most recently against St Mirren, and have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five games. The defensive frailties are compounded by a lengthy injury list, with Dujon Sterling, Ridvan Yilmaz, Leon Balogun, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and Findlay Curtis all sidelined, while Tom Lawrence remains a doubt.

Tactically, Rangers are expected to stick with a 3-5-2 system under Barry Ferguson, aiming to stay compact and hit Celtic on the counter. Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane should continue their partnership up front, with John Souttar, Robin Propper, and Clinton Nsiala anchoring the back three. James Tavernier, as always, will be crucial for both defensive solidity and attacking set-pieces. Ross McCausland returns from suspension but is likely to start on the bench. For Celtic, Brendan Rodgers will be forced into changes: star winger Jota is out with a knee injury, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is sidelined with a shoulder problem, and Yang Hyun-Jun is also unavailable. Viljami Sinisalo will start in goal, and the front three is set to be Nicolas Kühn, Adam Idah, and Daizen Maeda, all of whom are in excellent form.

The stakes remain high despite the title being settled. Rangers will be eager to avoid a fourth straight home defeat and to make it three wins out of three against Celtic in 2025, which would provide a much-needed morale boost. Celtic, on the other hand, are motivated to avenge recent derby losses and maintain their momentum heading into the summer. With both teams boasting attacking firepower and a history of high-scoring encounters-seven of the last eight meetings have seen over 2.5 goals-fans can expect an open, fiercely contested affair.

Key Players

• Rangers:
  • Cyriel Dessers (top scorer, 13 league goals) is their main attacking threat.
  • Hamza Igamane and Václav Černý provide support in attack.
  • James Tavernier (captain) is vital for set-pieces and leadership.
  • Nicolas Raskin leads in assists and will be key in midfield.
• Celtic:
  • Daizen Maeda (16 goals) is the league’s top scorer and a relentless runner.
  • Adam Idah (15 goals) is in top form, expected to lead the line.
  • Nicolas Kühn (12 goals) adds creativity and goal threat from the wing.
  • Callum McGregor orchestrates play from midfield.

Prediction

Despite Rangers’ recent derby success, their current form and injury woes suggest they may struggle to contain a rampant Celtic attack. The Hoops’ recent scoring spree and overall squad depth give them the edge, even with key absentees. Expect a high-intensity match with both teams likely to score, but Celtic’s superior momentum and attacking options should see them claim a narrow victory. Predicted score: Rangers 1-2 Celtic.

Betting Markets

Odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.