CELTIC, RANGERS SET FOR FIRST OLD FIRM SHOWDOWN OF 2026

GLASGOW, Scotland (Interstat) — The first Old Firm derby of the new year arrives Saturday with Celtic hosting Rangers at Celtic Park, a pivotal Scottish Premiership clash that could shape the title race.

The historic rivals last met in a tense 0-0 draw at Ibrox on Aug. 31. The simulation from Interstat projects another stalemate, forecasting a 1-1 final score.

Both sides enter the match following disappointing midweek results. Celtic, the home side, suffered a 2-0 away defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday, a result that snapped a three-game winning streak in league play. Rangers, meanwhile, needed a late comeback to edge Saint Mirren 2-1 at home on the same day.

Recent form has been mixed for both Glasgow powers. Rangers’ league run includes a concerning 3-0 home loss to Dundee on Dec. 25 and a defeat at Hearts, but also features strong wins over Hibernian and Kilmarnock. Their most convincing performance was a 3-1 European victory over Red Star Belgrade in late October.

Celtic’s path has been similarly uneven. Before the Motherwell loss, they conceded four goals in two matches against Livingston and Motherwell, and fell to Dundee United at home on Dec. 17. They also endured a 3-0 home defeat to AS Roma in continental play.

The fixture carries immense weight in the Premiership standings. Following Saturday’s match, Rangers face a quick turnaround with a match against Aberdeen on Jan. 6. Their schedule includes the return derby against Celtic at Ibrox on March 1.

Celtic’s upcoming slate is congested with a mix of league and European commitments, including a trip to Italy’s Bologna FC 1909 on Jan. 22 and a home match against FC Utrecht on Jan. 29.

Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. local time at a sold-out Celtic Park. The match will be broadcast globally, underscoring the worldwide appeal of one of football’s most fierce rivalries.