Sunday's Old Firm clash between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park in the Scottish League Cup semi-final will be an opportunity for each club's new manager to kickstart their team's season.
Martin O'Neil will be leading Celtic out on Sunday following the dramatic resignation of Brendan Rodgers this week, whereas Danny Rohl was appointed in place of Russel Martin, who had only taken charge of 17 games before his dismissal earlier in October.
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Celtic vs Rangers prediction: Struggling giants clash in the League Cup
Key stats
- Celtic have scored two or more goals in eight of their 17 fixtures, including in three of their past five
- Rangers have scored one or fewer goals in 14 of their 20 matches this season
- Celtic have kept one clean sheet in six, while Rangers have kept one in eight.
Correct score prediction: Celtic 3-2 Rangers
Celtic boast a strong connection with the Scottish League Cup, claiming the trophy in seven of the past nine seasons, including when they beat Rangers on penalties in 2024-25's final.
The Gers are certain to prove challenging opponents, but considering they have only won the competition once since the 2011-12 season, perhaps they will fall short once again at Hampden Park.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic predicted to win by the bookmakers
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- HOME: 8/11 (1.73) – 57.9%%
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- DRAW: 27/10 (3.7) – 27%
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- AWAY: 27/10 (3.7) – 27%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Celtic are the expected winner of this clash, with a probability of 57.9%, and the bookmakers would be surprised if they failed to retain their League Cup crown against their fierce rivals.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Rangers ahead against Celtic
Rohl will experience his first Old Firm derby in charge on the weekend, but he inherits a side that are undefeated in four games against the Hoops, drawing their two most recent encounters.
Prior to the teams' last four meetings, Celtic had not last in seven games, with the club emerging as victors on six occasions.
Scotland Premiership 31/08/25
Rangers
Celtic
Scotland Premiership 04/05/25
Rangers
Celtic
Scotland Premiership 16/03/25
Celtic
Rangers
Scotland Premiership 02/01/25
Rangers
Celtic
Scotland League Cup 15/12/24
Celtic
Rangers
Celtic preview: Martin back in charge
Martin previously coached the club between 2000 and 2005, but the team he currently manages are second in the Scottish top flight with 20 points, six points behind first-placed Hearts despite winning 4-0 against Falkirk on Wednesday.
With centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined due to a serious knee injury, expect Auston Trusty and Liam Scales to feature in the heart of their team's back four.
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Donovan, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, Engels, McGregor, Forrest, Nygren, Tounekti & Kenny
Last five results:
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- Celtic 4-0 Falkirk
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- Hearts 3-1 Celtic
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- Celtic 2-1 Sturm Graz
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- Dundee FC 2-0 Celtic
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- Celtic 3-2 Motherwell
Rangers preview: Positive signs under Rohl?
Rohl's side may be in third place with just 15 points, but he has managed to guide his Rangers to two wins in his two games in charge so far.
Central defender Derek Cornelius's place in the back three is in doubt as he is dealing with a swollen eye, but should he be declared fit, he may start alongside Nasser Djiga and John Souttar.
Predicted lineup: Butland (GK), Djiga, Souttar, Cornelius, Tavernier, Diomande, Raskin, Meghoma, Moore, Danilo & Miovski
Last five results:
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- Hibernian 0-1 Rangers
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- Rangers 3-1 Kilmarnock
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- Brann 3-0 Rangers
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- Rangers 2-2 Dundee United
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- Falkirk 1-1 Rangers
Player to watch: Benjamin Nygren
Though Celtic's season has been disappointing, attacking midfielder Benjamin Nygren can hold his head high considering he has still managed to excel, scoring six goals and proving three assists in 13 appearances.
The number 10 leads the way in terms of goals and assists for the club in 2025-26, with the Swede having netted twice and set up a goal once in his his last three games for the club.