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Scottish Football: A Cyclical Rivalry

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 8:34 GMT by Daily Record
      Locales: Scotland, UNITED KINGDOM

The Shifting Sands of Scottish Football

The early 2020s saw a period of Celtic dominance, followed by a resurgence of Rangers under a new managerial setup. This pendulum swing highlights the cyclical nature of the Old Firm rivalry. As of 2026, several key factors are influencing the balance of power. Increased investment in youth academies across Scotland is beginning to bear fruit, meaning both Celtic and Rangers are less reliant on foreign imports. This has led to a more competitive domestic league, and a greater emphasis on tactical flexibility.

Team Form and Potential Lineups (2026)

Currently, both Celtic and Rangers find themselves in a tight title race. Reports suggest Celtic are entering the derby with a slight edge in form, boasting a more consistent attacking output. Their defense, traditionally a strong point, has had minor vulnerabilities exposed in recent matches, particularly against quick counter-attacks. Key injuries to their central midfielder, Callum McGregor, and winger, Liel Abada, are concerns, potentially limiting their midfield creativity and width. A potential lineup could see a shift to a 4-3-3 formation, prioritizing offensive power but potentially leaving them exposed at the back.

Rangers, while exhibiting occasional flashes of brilliance, have struggled with consistency throughout the season. A mid-season tactical adjustment - moving away from a high-pressing system to a more compact, defensively-minded approach - appears to have stabilised the team. However, they still rely heavily on their star striker, James Roofe, for goals. A lack of consistent support for Roofe remains a significant weakness. Their predicted lineup is likely a 4-4-2, aiming to stifle Celtic's midfield and exploit any defensive lapses on the counter. A key factor will be the performance of their experienced centre-back pairing, Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun, in containing Celtic's attacking threat.

Key Players to Watch

For Celtic, Daizen Maeda's pace and direct running will pose a constant threat to the Rangers defense. The creative influence of Matt O'Riley in midfield will be crucial in unlocking Rangers' compact formation. On the Rangers side, James Roofe's clinical finishing is always a danger, and the dynamic midfield runs of John Lundstram could disrupt Celtic's rhythm. The performance of Rangers' new signing, Portuguese winger Ricardo Silva, will be heavily scrutinized - his ability to provide width and deliver quality crosses could be a game-changer.

Betting Landscape and Prediction

The latest betting odds, as of January 28th, 2026, reflect the closely contested nature of the match. Celtic are slight favourites, with odds of 2.30 for a win, while Rangers are priced at 3.10. A draw is currently at 3.20. However, these odds are subject to change based on late team news and betting activity.

Predicting an Old Firm derby is notoriously difficult. However, considering Celtic's slightly superior form and attacking firepower, they appear to have a marginal advantage. A closely fought contest is anticipated, likely decided by a single goal. While Rangers' defensive structure will make it difficult for Celtic to break them down, the sheer quality and depth of Celtic's attacking options should ultimately prove decisive. A 2-1 victory for Celtic is a reasonable prediction. But, as history consistently demonstrates, the Old Firm derby thrives on unpredictability, and an upset is always a distinct possibility.