Steven Gerrard has probably done as well as expected in his first managerial job with Rangers but he’s still been unable to deliver a trophy for the Ibrox faithful, a fact that should be confirmed if Celtic avoid defeat in the third of this season’s Old Firm derbies at Celtic Park this weekend.
Celtic Form
The Hoops are moving inexorably towards another Scottish Premiership title having not lost to domestic opposition since the first Old Firm derby at Ibrox at the end of December. Prior to being held by a goalless draw by Aberdeen in their last home game, Celtic had won their previous 11 league and cup games in Scotland. They’ve kept a clean sheet in their last three and sit 10 points clear of their arch-rivals from across the city. Victory this weekend would put then 13 points clear with seven to play and out of sight. Some fans feared the departure of Brendan Rodgers would see a loss of form but Neil Lennon has simply carried on where Rodgers left off and he would love nothing more than a win against Rangers. Lennon has already overseen three title wins and his squad is slowly coming back to full strength and there could even be appearances for Dedryk Boyata and Tom Rogic against Rangers.
Rangers Form
The Gers will be relieved that Alfredo Morelos has returned unscathed from international duty with Colombia but Croatia’s Borna Barisic hasn’t been so lucky. It’s been a frustrating season for the full-back, who will miss the Old Firm derby, and his team-mates will probably need something special to prevent home fans celebrating at the final whistle. Rangers are without a win in four matches, though three of those have been draws and they haven’t lost in the league since a 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock in January. Gerrard’s team may be suffering a lack of confidence so it would be no surprise if they adopted a cautious approach at Celtic Park. That could mean a rare start for Nikola Katic with Glenn Kamara playing a deeper role. They will need on-loan winger Ryan Kent and James Tavernier to be at their best but Celtic haven’t been overly impressive in grinding out recent wins so the away side should make a game of it if they play the opposition and not the occasion.
Celtic v Rangers Head-to-Heads
Both matches between these sides this season have resulted in 1-0 wins for the home side. Rangers haven’t won at Celtic Park in eight league and cup matches since 2011 and have not managed a goal in their last five visits.
Celtic v Rangers Current Best Odds
Celtic 4/5, Draw 14/5, Rangers 15/4 (Odds correct at 2.00pm March 27)
Celtic v Rangers Predictions
Celtic really don’t need to win this but try telling that to their fans in this match which divides a city between green and blue. We’ll take the view that Rangers will try and play on the counter-attack but they just aren’t keeping clean sheets at present. Top scorer Morelos has never scored against the Hoops and may continue to be frustrated. A home win at 4/5 looks the call in the Match Betting but you can get 13/2 with BetVictor for a 1-0 Correct Score. The Draw/Celtic on the Half Time/Full Time is 19/5 with 888sport and Celtic are a general 2/1 to Win To Nil.
