Celtic vs Rangers: Old Firm Derby Lineups Revealed - Live

Table of Contents

The High-Stakes Old Firm Derby of 2026

The first Old Firm derby of the new year is set to take place at Celtic Park, with both Celtic and Rangers looking to gain crucial points in the Scottish Premiership title race. At stake is not only the pride of the two clubs but also their positions in the league table. A victory for Celtic would see them level on points with leaders Hearts, though they would need a seven-goal margin to overtake them. This makes the match one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy faces his first Old Firm derby since taking charge, and he has been under pressure after losing five of his first seven matches in charge. His plea for patience from supporters has been echoed by many fans who are growing restless due to the team’s inconsistent performance. In contrast, Danny Rohl, the new Rangers manager, has brought a sense of stability to the club. Since taking over in October, his side has picked up more points than any other Scottish Premiership club, climbing within three points of Celtic and six behind Hearts.

Rangers, under Rohl, have shown signs of resurgence, winning three of their last four league games. Their previous encounter against Celtic came in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final, where they were defeated at Hampden Park. However, this time, they will be eager to make a statement, especially given that a win could put them firmly in the title picture.

Team News and Lineup Changes

Both teams have made several changes ahead of the match. Celtic’s starting XI includes some familiar faces, with Schmeichel in goal, Tierney, Trusty, and Ralston in defense, and McGregor as captain. On the attacking front, Nygren, Maeda, and Kenny are expected to lead the line. Meanwhile, Rangers have made two changes from their midweek victory over St Mirren, with Dujon Sterling and Connor Barron coming into the starting lineup. John Souttar will captain the side, while on-loan Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore makes his debut.

Celtic’s manager, Wilfried Nancy, has made three changes to the team that lost to Motherwell, bringing in Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Johnny Kenny. Liam Scales, Paulo Bernardo, and Reo Hatate are left out. New loan signing Julian Araujo is on the bench, and there is speculation about whether he will be introduced during the game.

Key Players and Predictions

With the stakes high, the performances of key players will be crucial. Callum McGregor, who scored in the recent Premier Sports Cup semi-final, will be under pressure to deliver again. For Rangers, James Tavernier, despite being on the bench, has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to exploit any nerves from Celtic. He emphasized that the Rangers side is "hunting" the opponent, highlighting their determination to secure a win.

The match odds reflect the tight nature of the contest, with Celtic slightly favored at 4/5, while Rangers are at 5/2. A draw is priced at 21/10. Historically, the rivalry has been closely contested, with both teams having won 171 times each, and 106 draws recorded.

The Road to the Match

As the clock ticks down to kick-off, fans are eagerly awaiting the action. The atmosphere at Celtic Park is expected to be electric, with supporters from both sides ready to witness what promises to be a fiercely contested match. The teams have been preparing meticulously, and the lineups suggest that both managers are confident in their strategies.

For Celtic, the match represents an opportunity to turn their season around, while for Rangers, it is a chance to assert themselves in the title race. With Hearts set to face Livingston later in the day, the outcome of this derby could have significant implications for the league standings.

How to Watch

In the UK, the match will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 11:30am GMT on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Fans can also watch live via the Sky Go app. For those unable to tune in, Standard Sport’s live blog will provide real-time updates throughout the game. Stay with us for all the latest news, build-up, and analysis as the first Old Firm derby of 2026 gets underway.