Celtic v Rangers LIVE: Celtic under pressure and eyeing Old Firm revenge in tasty derby

(Getty)

Celtic will be out for revenge as they host Rangers in the first Old Firm clash of the Scottish Premiership season.

The Gers powered to an impressive 3-0 victory over their rivals in the League Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox last weekend, a result that could give Derek McInnes lift off after a difficult start to life in Glasgow.

But with away fans banned from matches between the Old Firm teams in the Premiership and League Cup this season, it is Celtic and Martin O’Neill’s side who will have home advantage at Parkhead this afternoon.

A deflating defeat to Ferencvaros in the Europa League in midweek means Celtic have lost back-to-back matches under O’Neill, but they have won six games from six to start their Premiership title defence. Can Rangers eat into their early five-point advantage or can Celtic stretch their lead at the top?

Follow live updates from Celtic v Rangers in the Old Firm, below

Early Rangers team news

Rangers are missing captain Lawrence Shankland and the injured Youssef Chermiti.

Derek McInnes surprised Celtic last weekend by playing three at the back and packing the midfield – will he opt for a similar tactic this time or revert to a back four?

Possible Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Raskin, Neil; Naderi, Kim, Gassama; Kelsy

James Penrice moved into midfield last week
James Penrice moved into midfield last week (Getty)
Luke Baker20 September 2026 10:13

Early Celtic team news

Celtic are missing Yang Hyun-Jun while he is on international duty at the Asian Games, while Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Jota are out injured.

Martin O’Neill faces a goalkeeping dilemma after Sam Johnstone looked very shaky in last weekend’s Old Firm but Viljami Sinisalo has also been unconvincing for large parts of this campaign.

Possible Celtic XI: Sinisalo, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Scales; McGregor, Baur; Hassan, Nygren, Duran; Hogh

Will Viljami Sinisalo start in goal?
Will Viljami Sinisalo start in goal? (PA)
Luke Baker20 September 2026 10:09

How to watch Celtic v Rangers

Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday 20 September, with kick-off at 12pm BST.

Viewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 11am BST.

Luke Baker20 September 2026 10:07

Celtic v Rangers

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the latest Old Firm between Celtic and Rangers.

Gers hammered the Hoops 3-0 in the League Cup last week, so Martin O’Neill’s men will be desperate to bounce back and get revenge.

Stick with us for full live coverage

Luke Baker20 September 2026 10:05