Celtic vs Rangers Prediction & Betting Tips (3 January)

Celtic enter this Old Firm clash in a period of renewed steadiness after a turbulent spell under new manager Wilfried Nancy, whose early run of four straight defeats drew heavy scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike67 Hail Hail. Recent weeks, however, have brought signs of recovery, including back‑to‑back wins and a dramatic six‑goal thriller victory over Livingston as the festive period approachedCeltic Football Club. The club also confirmed that the upcoming derby is completely sold out, with the return of meaningful away allocations adding intensity to the fixture and reducing late ticket availabilityCelts Are Here. With the pressure easing slightly, Celtic approach this match with a sense of cautious momentum.

Rangers, meanwhile, arrive with their own complicated narrative. A recent 2–1 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle highlighted the inconsistency that has kept them from closing the gap at the top of the tableThe Scotsman. Injuries have also played a role, with several key players unavailable heading into their December fixtures, including Bailey Rice, John Souttar, and others who remained sidelined as they prepared for their clash with Hearts on December 21Yahoo Sports. Earlier in the season, Rangers also endured a goalless Old Firm draw in August, a match marked by a lack of attacking sharpness from both sidesSky Sports. These mixed performances leave them searching for rhythm at a crucial moment.

Both teams have been under the microscope for different reasons, and the past two months have brought no shortage of scrutiny. Celtic’s Champions League exit on penalties to Kairat earlier in the season was a reminder of their ongoing need for attacking precision, while Rangers’ heavy 6–0 defeat to Club Brugge in Europe underscored their own vulnerabilitiesOneFootball. Domestic form has been equally unpredictable, with Hearts emerging as a genuine force by defeating both Celtic and Rangers home and away this season, reshaping the league narrative and adding pressure on the Glasgow giants to respond decisivelyThe Scotsman. With both sides navigating injuries, tactical adjustments, and fluctuating confidence, this derby arrives at a moment when neither can afford hesitation.

Given the contrasting trajectories and the specific weaknesses each side has shown in recent matches, this meeting feels primed for a decisive outcome rather than the cagey stalemate seen in August. Celtic’s recent improvement, combined with Rangers’ defensive absences and uneven performances, suggests a match where momentum and stability could play a defining role. With the atmosphere heightened by the return of away supporters and both clubs desperate to assert control over their season, our prediction leans toward a bold and emphatic 3:0 scoreline in Celtic’s favour — a statement result that would reshape the Premiership landscape.