Rangers vs Celtic prediction, odds & betting tips 31/08/2025
🔥 Our Hot tip

Rangers to win

Rangers are unbeaten in their last four matches against Celtic.

The first Old Firm derby of the season is set to take place this weekend as Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox on Sunday, 31 August.

It's been a dismal start to life in Glasgow for the club's new manager, Russell Martin, but a win against Celtic would help alleviate the pressure he is already under.

It's been business as usual for Celtic, at least on the domestic front, and they can move nine points clear of Rangers after just four games with a win at Ibrox.

As part of this week's round of Scottish Premiership betting tips, check out our Rangers vs Celtic prediction below.

Rangers vs Celtic prediction: Gers to pull one out of the bag

Key Stats

  • Rangers have won two of their last three matches against Celtic.
  • Celtic have won just one of their last three matches at Ibrox.
  • More than two goals have been scored in four of the last five Old Firm derbies.

Correct score prediction: Rangers 2-1 Celtic

If there is one match in the Scottish football calendar where form is somewhat irrelevant, then it's Rangers vs Celtic. The emotion of the day takes over, which often gives whichever side is playing at home a big advantage. Rangers are also more desperate for the points, and a loss wouldn't sting Celtic as much.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic go in as favourites

  • HOME: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
  • DRAW: 29/10 (3.90) – 25.6%
  • AWAY: 19/20 (1.95) – 51.3%

*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change

The Rangers vs Celtic odds paint a good picture of where both teams are currently at, with Celtic priced as the odds-on favourites for a trip to Ibrox. Ladbrokes have given the visitors a 51.3% chance of picking up the three points, while Rangers have been given a 30.3% chance of victory.

You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.

Most recent H2Hs: Positive signs for Rangers

As mentioned earlier in the piece, Rangers have done very well in recent matches against Celtic, avoiding defeat in each of the last four, while picking up two wins along the way. Prior to the most recent four-game stretch, Celtic had been dominant, winning three matches on the bounce.

Scotland Premiership 04/05/25

Rangers

Rangers

1
Celtic

Celtic

1

Scotland Premiership 16/03/25

Celtic

Celtic

2
Rangers

Rangers

3

Scotland Premiership 02/01/25

Rangers

Rangers

3
Celtic

Celtic

0

Scotland League Cup 15/12/24

Celtic

Celtic

3 (5)
Rangers

Rangers

3 (4)

Scotland Premiership 01/09/24

Celtic

Celtic

3
Rangers

Rangers

0

Rangers preview: Changes are expected

After a dismal night in Belgium in the week, Russell Martin is expected to make significant changes to his starting XI this weekend. James Tavernier didn't feature against Club Brugge, but the club captain is one player almost certain to play this weekend. Dujon Sterling remains out injured, and he isn't expected to return until the new year.

Predicted lineup: Butland (GK), Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma, Cameron, Diomande, Raskin, Moore, Gassama, Dessers

Scotland Premiership 11/05/25

W

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

0

Rangers

Rangers

4

Scotland Premiership 04/05/25

D

Celtic

Celtic

1

Rangers

Rangers

1

Scotland Premiership 26/04/25

D

St Mirren

St Mirren

2

Rangers

Rangers

2

UEFA Europa League 17/04/25

L

Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao

2

Rangers

Rangers

0

Scotland Premiership 13/04/25

D

Aberdeen

Aberdeen

2

Rangers

Rangers

2

Celtic preview: A trio of absentees

Although Celtic have three wins from three matches in the Scottish Premiership, they haven't been at their best and were dumped out of the Champions League earlier this week. For the trip to Ibrox, Brendan Rodgers will be without Alistair Johnson, Jota and Auston Trusty, as all three men are injured.

Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Nygren, Hatate, Forrest, Maeda, Hyun-jun

Scotland Premiership 10/05/25

W

Hibernian

Hibernian

1

Celtic

Celtic

3

Scotland Premiership 04/05/25

D

Rangers

Rangers

1

Celtic

Celtic

1

Scotland Premiership 26/04/25

W

Dundee Utd

Dundee Utd

0

Celtic

Celtic

5

Scotland FA Cup 20/04/25

W

St Johnstone

St Johnstone

0

Celtic

Celtic

5

Scotland Premiership 12/04/25

W

Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock

1

Celtic

Celtic

5

Player to watch: Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda playing for Celtic || Credit: Imago
Daizen Maeda playing for Celtic || Credit: Imago

If Celtic are to end their streak of four Old Firm matches without a win, then you feel they will need a big performance from Daizen Maeda. While the Japanese international has seen some big players leave in recent years, he has stayed loyal to Celtic and his record against Rangers isn't to be sniffed at. Maeda has scored four goals in his last eight apps against Rangers.


Andy is a freelance Sports Journalist with ten years of experience covering football in the United Kingdom and abroad for various publications including the Manchester Evening News, UtdReport and Football Whispers. Andy also has a keen interest in basketball, cricket, golf and tennis and has covered major sporting events such as the Masters in Augusta.