Arjun Menon
The Scottish Premiership Championship Phase brings us the latest Glasgow derby, as Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox Stadium on May 4, 2025. With both teams in the top half of the table and the pressure mounting to close out the season with silverware, this fixture promises a contest not just for three points but for city supremacy. This particular edition is intriguing, featuring Rangers under Barry Ferguson striving to shift momentum and Brendan Rodgers’ high-flying Celtic, who are currently showcasing some of the most potent attacking football in the division.
Among the names to watch: for the hosts, right-back James Tavernier, a consistently involved figure in Rangers’ build-up and transitional play, while for Celtic, Daizen Maeda stands out with his relentless work rate and recent goal-scoring form. One hot stat that paints a vivid picture of the contest—Celtic have scored 15 goals in their last five outings, highlighting a significant attacking advantage over a Rangers side that managed just four in the same span.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Scottish Premiership 2024/25, Championship Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow |
| 🗓️ Date: | 04.05.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 14:00 CEST |
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Rangers vs Celtic prediction
Given current form and underlying numbers, Celtic arrive as deserved favourites. Brendan Rodgers’ side are riding an 80 percent winrate over their last five games, and their recent victories have been by comfortable margins (5-0 vs Dundee United, 5-0 vs Saint Johnstone). In contrast, Rangers are stuck in a rut, with just one win in six, three draws, and gradual struggles to find consistency in both attack and defence. Celtic’s fluid 4-3-3 features Maeda, Adam Idah, and Reo Hatate in form, while Rangers’ 4-2-3-1 under Ferguson has required significant reshuffling.
In terms of style, expect Rangers to play with an emphasis on defensive solidity—Barry Ferguson prioritises control, which can be seen in their moderate average pass accuracy of 79 percent and a higher foul tally (46 fouls in five matches). Expect them to use the width effectively, but they may face waves of Celtic attacks. Celtic, contrastingly, have combined technical midfielders with rapid wingers, a pass accuracy of nearly 90 percent, and an impressive 36 corners in five recent games, a stat that also suggests their sustained presence in the final third. Rangers’ defensive line must stay disciplined, as Celtic’s rotation and pressing put significant strain on any mistakes.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Celtic -0.25 (Asian Handicap) |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9.5 |
Team Analysis
Rangers: In their last match, Rangers drew 2-2 with Saint Mirren at Ibrox. They created chances but also surrendered space, highlighting an ongoing defensive fragility. Before that, a 0-2 home loss to Athletic Bilbao and a prior 2-2 draw with Aberdeen further underscore a lack of clinical edge at both ends. While James Tavernier remains a reliable defensive mainstay and source of build-up, much will be demanded from forwards like Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane—each with a solitary goal in their last five.
Celtic: The Hoops, for their part, are thriving. Last time out, they blew away Dundee United 5-0 away from home and followed up with another 5-0 result against Saint Johnstone. Across their last five, Celtic have amassed 15 goals, with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah each scoring three, assisted ably by creative talents like Reo Hatate and Nicolas Kühn. Their defence appears sturdy as well—they’ve conceded just once in those five outings, relying on consistent performances from players like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Rangers | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 7 | 8 |
| Free kicks | 7 | 8 |
| Corner kicks | 3 | 2 |
| Total fouls | 10 | 8 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 80 | 84 |
| Interceptions | 11 | 9 |
🚨Read our full Rangers vs Celtic stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic the favourite
| Moneyline | Rangers 3.60 | Celtic 1.89 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.80 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 1.85 | Under 2.5 2.00 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.73 | No 2.05 | |
The odds reflect Celtic’s dominance, especially given their scoring streak and defensive strength. A narrow away win seems the most probable outcome, but with both teams registering a high volume of recent goal-scoring opportunities, backing on over 2.5 goals and both teams to score is logical. The draw holds some value given historical rivalry tensions, but Celtic’s recent form gives them the edge.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Rangers possible starting eleven
- GK: Jack Butland
- DF: James Tavernier, John Souttar, Leon Balogun, Ridvan Yilmaz
- MF: Nicolas Raskin, Mohammed Diomande, Ianis Hagi
- FW: Ross McCausland, Cyriel Dessers, Hamza Igamane
Rangers are likely to line up in their familiar 4-2-3-1, prioritizing defensive cover and looking for quick transitions. Tavernier’s runs from right-back are vital, while Diomande and Raskin must provide both control and forward thrust. Dessers leads the line, but Igamane’s movement and Hagi’s creativity could be decisive if Rangers are to find consistent penetration. Expect a compact defensive block, aiming to limit space for Celtic’s front three.
Celtic possible starting eleven
- GK: Viljami Sinisalo
- DF: Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor
- MF: Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels
- FW: Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah, Nicolas Kühn
Celtic should stick with their high-energy 4-3-3. Sinisalo is a steady option in goal, while Carter-Vickers anchors the defence. Johnston and Taylor provide width and attacking verve from full-back. In midfield, McGregor orchestrates, Hatate brings dynamism, and Engels adds balance. Up front, Maeda’s workrate, Idah’s clinical finishing, and Kühn’s creativity represent a formidable threat. The trio’s form and chemistry present a genuine edge over the Rangers backline.
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Celtic. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
This clash at Ibrox has all the ingredients of a high-stakes rivalry, but the form book and tactical trends point largely in Celtic’s favour. Brendan Rodgers’ side are producing goals in bunches and conceding few, underpinned by a compact midfield, clinical forwards, and defensive organisation. Rangers, though capable and resilient, lack momentum and creative sharpness at present. My main pick is Celtic -0.25 on the Asian Handicap or a straight win for the visitors, with plenty of goalmouth action likely—over 2.5 goals is a standout play, given both sides’ recent figures. Expect Rangers to push hard with home support, but Celtic’s attacking trio and midfield fluency should swing the tie their way.
