Rangers v Celtic: Old Firm Derby Preview – May 4, 2025
Kick-off: 12:00 BST | Venue: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow
Match Overview
The final Old Firm Derby of the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season takes place today, Sunday, May 4, at Ibrox Stadium. While Celtic have already secured their fourth consecutive league title, this fixture remains a highly anticipated encounter, with both teams eager to end the season on a high note.
Team News
Rangers
Interim manager Barry Ferguson has named a strong squad for today’s match. However, the team will be without defenders Dujon Sterling and Ridvan Yilmaz due to injuries. Leon Balogun is expected to return to the lineup after recovering from surgery, providing a boost to the defensive unit.
Celtic
Celtic face several injury concerns ahead of the derby. Winger Jota is sidelined for up to nine months, while forward Daizen Maeda, midfielder Nicolas Kuhn, and defender Alistair Johnston all missed training sessions earlier this week. Their availability for the match remains uncertain.
Tactical Analysis
Both teams have demonstrated contrasting forms in recent weeks. Celtic have been in scintillating form, winning their last three matches with five goals in each, including a 5-0 victory over Dundee United. Their attacking prowess, led by top scorer Daizen Maeda, will be a key factor in today’s match.
Rangers, on the other hand, have struggled to find consistency, with only one win in their last six matches. Interim manager Barry Ferguson will need to instil a sense of urgency and discipline in his squad to challenge Celtic’s dominance.
Player Statistics
Top Scorers
| Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Daizen Maeda | Celtic | 16 |
| Hamza Igamane | Rangers | 11 |
Maeda’s clinical finishing has been instrumental in Celtic’s title charge, while Igamane’s contributions have been vital for Rangers in a challenging season.
Betting Odds
According to the latest odds, Celtic are favourites to win today’s match, with odds of 2.15 at Betfred. Rangers are priced at 3.25, while a draw is offered at 3.9. Betting markets also suggest a high likelihood of over 2.5 goals in the match, reflecting both teams’ attacking styles.
Where to Watch
UK viewers can watch the match live on Sky Sports. International viewers can check local listings for broadcast information or stream the match via official club channels.
For more information on the latest match preview, visit BBC Sport’s football section.