The fierce rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, aptly dubbed the "Old Firm," is set to reignite this Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 12 p.m. (Brazilian time), at Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow. This clash, part of the Scottish Championship's 21st round, promises to captivate fans and viewers alike, showcasing two of the most storied football clubs not just within Scotland, but globally.
Currently, Celtic leads the Scottish Championship with an impressive tally of 50 points after 18 matches, boasting 16 wins and 2 draws, maintaining their unbeaten status. Conversely, Rangers trails behind, occupying second place with 36 points, secured through 11 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. The stakes are incredibly high; this match is pivotal for determining the course of the championship.
Fans can tune in to watch the exciting showdown via ESPN 4 for traditional television viewing or stream it live on Disney+. This year, both teams are hoping to start the new year on the right foot, and fans are eager to see how they will perform.
Over their storied history, the competition between Rangers and Celtic has transcended standard football rivalry. It encapsulates deep cultural, religious, and social aspects characteristic of Scotland, with passionate supporters on both sides contributing to the atmosphere surrounding each encounter. The last face-off yielded tension and excitement, with Celtic winning 3-0 at home back in September during their first league meeting this season. This results reflect the remarkable consistency Celtic has exhibited, having remained undefeated throughout the campaign.
The pressure mounts not just from league standings but from the historical backdrop; over the years, the teams have met 380 times, with Rangers slightly edging out Celtic with 141 victories compared to Celtic's 140, alongside 99 draws — highlighting the intensity and balance of this fierce competition.
For the upcoming match, Celtic's head coach Brendan Rodgers anticipates maintaining momentum, especially following their recent 4-0 thrashing of St. Johnstone. The players to look out for include forward Kyogo Furuhashi, who has been pivotal with his goal-scoring prowess, complemented by the midfield control of Callum McGregor. Rodgers expressed the significance of this encounter: "The pressure is relentless because every game is a chance to assert dominance. I appreciate the atmosphere and the importance of this clash; it is one I long to win."
On the Rangers' front, manager Philippe Clement is striving to galvanize his squad after their disappointing 2-2 draw against Motherwell last time out. The Rangers side has shown promise and tenacity, even calling upon young talents such as Hamza Igamane, who showcased resilience recently. Clement remarked, "We deserve to win; we had the best chances. We must show this again and secure all three points." His side aims to disrupt Celtic's rhythm and reinstate their challenge for the title.
Both teams have faced their share of injuries, influencing selection decisions. Rangers will be without notable players including Tom Lawrence and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, both injured, though Balogun may make his return, depending on fitness. Celtic, meanwhile, will miss James Forrest and Odin Thiago Holm but can field their regulars who have benefited from consistent gameplay this season.
Expected lineups for the match reveal the tactical approaches each manager may employ: Rangers could set out with Butland; Tavernier, Sterling, Balogun, and Yilmaz; Diomande and Raskin; Cerny, Bajrami, Hagi; Igamane. Celtic, on the other hand, is likely to deploy Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, and Taylor; Paulo Bernardo, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, and Maeda.
While Rangers remain firmly situated as challengers, the gap of 14 points from Celtic solidifies their position as underdogs heading to this match. Nonetheless, the Old Firm always has the potential to turn projections upside down. Betting experts articulate the dynamics, predicting both teams could score with odds leaning more heavily on Celtic to secure victory, accentuating their undefeated streak.
To encapsulate this historic rivalry accurately for fans, extensive coverage will persist, maintaining transparency around the match conditions, player fitness, and historical insights. Whether you are rooting for the Rangers or the Celtics, this upcoming encounter will surely be more than just another match; it will be emblematic of the fierce passion attributed to Scottish football.
With all the excitement brewing, many wonder; will Celtic continue their unbeaten streak or will Rangers notch up a significant win this season to reignite their title bid? The anticipation is palpable; football fans won't want to miss the resolution on January 2nd, 2025.