On January 2, 2024, excitement will fill the air as Glasgow Rangers face off against Celtic Football Club at Ibrox Stadium for the 21st round of the Scottish Premiership. Kick-off is set for 17:00 Kyiv time, and this storied rivalry promises to be another thrilling chapter.
Currently, Celtic leads the Premiership with 50 points, reflecting their impressive form throughout the season. According to Sports Weekly, they have yet to suffer defeat, showcasing remarkable consistency with 16 wins and two draws from 18 games. Their attacking prowess is highlighted by having scored 52 goals, all the more impressive when considering they have only conceded four.
Rangers, on the other hand, sit second with 36 points from the same number of matches, trailing their arch-rivals by 14 points. "Rangers are currently second and 14 points behind Celtic with 36 points from 18 matches," reported by Sport Review. Despite their second-place standing, Rangers have struggled to maintain the form needed to close the gap. Recent results, including draws and losses, have left them dangling behind Celtic, sparking conversation about their chances against such formidable opposition.
Analysts predict the match will be fiercely contested, with high stakes for both teams. Celtic's recent victory, where they trounced St. Johnstone 4-0, is fresh motivation for them as they prepare to take on their rivals. Conversely, Rangers will be looking to recover from their previous matches, where they dropped points against teams like Motherwell, most recently settling for a 2-2 draw.
The rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, known for its intensity and historical weight, adds another layer of drama. "Both teams are highly motivated for this derby, making it one of the most anticipated matches," noted Football Focus. The previous encounters have commonly resulted in high-scoring games, indicative of their attacking styles. Bookmakers are forecasting significant action, with odds reflected accordingly. Betting Insight indicates Rangers may struggle, as they currently trail behind the dominant Celtic side.
With both teams expected to play at pace and with urgency, analysts suggest fans should prepare for plenty of thrilling moments. Ranger's manager has emphasized the importance of capitalizing on home-field advantage, claiming past performances at Ibrox show they can compete fiercely against Celtic. Meanwhile, Celtic's Brendon Rodgers has been praised for his team’s attacking cohesion and defensive stability.
The betting market mirrors this narrative. Odds are offering even chances for both teams at about 2.60 for either side to claim victory, indicating the uncertainty surrounding the match. A draw is estimated at around 3.55. With the expectation of goals, putting money on at least three goals scored collectively from both teams could yield favorable returns at odds of 1.80.
Fans from both sides will undoubtedly fill the stands, eager for their team to seize victory and claim bragging rights. Whether you're hoping for another thrilling encounter, or heart-stopping moments, this match is set to be one for the ages. With each side bringing their best, football aficionados should expect no less than the spectacular from this clash of giants.
Considering their respective forms, Celtic is favored to take this match, maintaining their unbeaten streak and continuing their quest for supremacy. On the other hand, Rangers must find their rhythm to answer back and potentially close the gap, setting the stage for another memorable Old Firm derby.