Celtic — Rangers Prediction, H2H and Probable Lineups — 3 January 2026
On January 3, 2026, in Matchday 21 of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic will host Rangers. The match is scheduled to kick off at 13:30 Central European Time. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this clash.
Celtic
Celtic approach this important match in poor form. In the last round, the team lost 0–2 away to Motherwell. Overall, in their last seven matches across all competitions, they have recorded only two wins, suffering defeats in the remaining games. Among these losses was the League Cup final, where Celtic were defeated 1–3 by St. Mirren.
In the Scottish Premiership, Celtic currently sit in second place with 38 points, three behind Hearts, who occupy the top spot.
In European competitions, Celtic also struggle. In their most recent Europa League match, they suffered a heavy 0–3 home defeat to Roma and currently lie 24th in the overall group standings, fighting for a place in the knockout stage.
Regarding home form in the league, Celtic are strong, with the best record at their stadium. In nine home matches, they have collected 22 points, scoring 20 goals and conceding only five.
However, Celtic have struggled in recent home encounters against Rangers, failing to win the last three matches at home against this opponent. Overall, their home statistics remain solid: six wins, two draws, and one defeat in the last nine matches.
Rangers
Rangers come into this match in much better form. In their last two league matches, they won 1–0 against Motherwell and 2–1 against St. Mirren. Overall, in their last 11 matches across all competitions, Rangers have suffered only two defeats, drawn three times, and won six matches. One defeat was in the league against Hearts, and the other an away loss in the Europa League against Ferencváros.
In the Scottish Premiership, Rangers currently sit third, three points behind Celtic.
In the Europa League, Rangers have struggled even more than Celtic, earning only one point from six matches and currently lying 33rd in the overall standings, with almost no chance of progressing to the knockout stage.
In head-to-head meetings against Celtic, Rangers have a slight advantage in recent encounters. In the last six matches, they have remained unbeaten, winning twice and drawing four times. The first-round match of this season, played at Rangers’ home, ended in a 0–0 draw.
Probable Lineups
- Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, Hatate, McCowan, Hyun-Jun, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny
- Rangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma, Raskin, Diomande, Moore, Aasgaard, Gassama, Chermiti
Key Facts and Head-to-Head
- In 4 of Celtic’s last 5 matches, both teams scored.
- 6 of Celtic’s last 7 matches have seen over 2.5 goals.
- Rangers have won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Rangers have scored first in 5 of their last 6 matches.
- Rangers are unbeaten in the last 6 head-to-head meetings.
- In 3 of the last 4 head-to-head meetings, both teams scored.
Celtic — Rangers Prediction
We expect a very interesting and intense clash between two Scottish giants, coming into the match in almost contrasting forms. Celtic are struggling, but remain second in the league, three points behind the leader, and continue to fight for a place in the Europa League knockout stage. Rangers’ league form is solid, sitting third, but their European campaign has been unsuccessful. In head-to-head meetings, Rangers have been confident, unbeaten in the last six matches against Celtic. Considering the current form, the importance of points for both teams, Celtic’s desire to end their negative streak, and Rangers’ recent dominance, we expect this match to be a true spectacle with goals from both sides. My bet for this match: Both Teams to Score — Yes at odds of 1.58.
