Celtic v Rangers score predictions as SunSport writers deliver forecasts with Ferguson in charge of first Old Firm game

ALL eyes will be on Celtic Park on Sunday when Scotland’s heavyweights battle it out in the fourth Old Firm derby of the season.

Celtic have the upper hand from the previous encounters – lifting the Premier Sports Cup in December and taking the opening clash of the season 3-0.

Kenny Ramsay

Home advantage has counted in the fixture this season[/caption]

Kenny Ramsay

Rangers won 3-0 at Ibrox after losing by the same scoreline at Celtic Park[/caption]

Willie Vass

The teams went all the way at neutral Hampden – with Celtic taking the Premier Sports Cup on penalties after a 3-3 draw[/caption]

Rangers, however, landed a blow of their own at the most recent meeting – matching that 3-0 scoreline at Ibrox in the traditional New Year derby.

That, however, has been the exception to the rule.

And travelling to Celtic Park has not been a happy hunting ground for Light Blue bosses.

The last time they won there was October 2020 when Connor Goldson‘s double helped Gers onwards to the league title.

That was infront of empty stands but Sunday sees the return of away supporters to the league fixture.

Will that have a bearing on the result?

We asked our top team of Sunsport sports writers for their predictions ahead of the big game.

Robert Grieve

Celtic 2 Rangers 0

Rangers will feel exhilarated after winning through to the last eight of the Europa League.

But they emptied the tank against Fenerbahce.

Barry Ferguson‘s side showed tremendous character but they looked physically exhausted after extra-time on Thursday night and that has to have taken its toll.

Celtic have had a full week to prepare and Brendan Rodgers‘ men will be looking to avenge their last Old Firm derby defeat.

Daizen Maeda is in great form and his energy is the last thing the Rangers defence needs right now.

Derek McGregor

Celtic 1 Rangers 1

Barry Ferguson and the Rangers players will have taken so much belief from their Europa League heroics. I see them going to Parkhead really fired up to dig in and frustrate big favourites Celtic who themselves are pumped to atone for their 3-0 drubbing at Ibrox.

Rangers will also have the extra motivation from this time having several thousand fans to back them.

The big question for me is at what point Ferguson’s team starts to suffer weariness after their monumental effort against Fenerbahce, with the Hoops having had a full week to prepare.

If there’s a winner it will be Celtic but my hunch is Ferguson’s going to get another result to boost his claims to become permanent boss.

As always, though, any derby prediction leaves you at risk of looking stupid!

David Friel

Celtic 2 Rangers 1

Celtic should be fresh after a free midweek but don’t underestimate the lift Rangers will get from progressing past Fenerbahce.

Barry Ferguson’s side are major underdogs but they normally thrive when there is very little expectation on them.

Rangers will try not to give much away but if Celtic hit their stride, they should have enough to get the three points.

Ben Ramage

Celtic 2 Rangers 2

I have no doubt I’ll be in the minority, but I can actually see Rangers sneaking a draw at Parkhead on Sunday.

Yes, the Hoops have home advantage. And yes, domestically the two sides are more than just a few miles apart.

But Barry Ferguson’s rejuvenated boys have two major factors on their side. For a change, this Old Firm match carries no significance in terms of the now non-existent title race. So the pressure is well and truly off on that front.

And secondly, the Light Blues come into this away day on the back of a massively morale-boosting Europa League penalty shootout win against Jose Mourinho‘s Fenerbahce.

Of course there’s an argument they will be knackered and could well be blown away by Brendan Rodgers‘ Bhoys, who will be desperate to make amends after losing the last derby 3-0. 

But with away fans back in the building at long last, I’m predicting an open game with plenty of goals.

Gareth Law

Celtic 3 Rangers 1

Rangers produced that brilliant display to beat Fenerbahce in Europe on Thursday.

But domestic performances have been a tougher prospect this season – so this will be a whole different ball game.

They’ll have more of a support than normal at Parkhead but Brendan Rodgers’ side have almost been unstoppable at home this term so expect them to come out on top once again.

Robert Martin

Celtic 2 Rangers 0

I had Celtic winning this before Rangers went all the way to extra-time and penalties on Thursday.

Barry Ferguson’s side will head for Parkhead on a high, but they’ll also be SHATTERED.

And waiting for them will be a fresh Hoops side ready to prove a point.

That’s not a good combination from a Gers points of view, and I see the Hoops taking the points without too much fuss.

Roger Hannah

Celtic 3 Rangers 1

Celtic are desperate to avenge their New Year humbling at Ibrox.

Gers will be breathing heavily after Euro exertions on Thursday night.

Everything points to a home win and 19-point gap at the top of the Premiership.

Daizen Maeda v James Tavernier might move from the right flank to the centre.

And expect Maeda – with 27 goals already this term – to have the final say.

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