Celtic Vs Rangers

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated fixtures in Scottish football as Celtic and Rangers go head-to-head in the first Old Firm derby of the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season. The intense rivalry between these two giants of Scottish football will be reignited on Sunday afternoon at Celtic Park, where the stakes are as high as ever.

Celtic's Dominance in Scottish Football

Celtic, under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, have reasserted their dominance in Scottish football in recent years. The Bhoys have won 18 of the 25 Scottish Premiership titles since the turn of the millennium, cementing their status as the powerhouse of Scottish football. This era of dominance was particularly underscored when Rangers were relegated to the third division in 2012 due to financial issues, a period during which Celtic won an unprecedented nine consecutive league titles from 2011 to 2020.

This nine-title streak marked the second time in the club's history that they achieved such a feat, having previously won nine consecutive titles between 1965 and 1974. However, just as in the 1974-75 season, when their attempt at a record-breaking 10th consecutive title was thwarted, Celtic’s pursuit of a 10th title in 2020-21 was similarly halted by a resurgent Rangers side.

Despite this setback, Celtic have quickly regained their dominance, winning the league in each of the last three seasons. Under Rodgers' guidance, Celtic have once again established themselves as the team to beat in Scotland. The current season has started on a similarly strong note, with Celtic winning all four of their opening matches, boasting an impressive 12-1 aggregate score. The Bhoys are yet to concede a goal in the league, extending their unbeaten run to 20 games across all competitions since their last loss to Hearts in March 2024.

Rodgers, who returned to Celtic Park at the start of last season following his controversial departure for Leicester City in February 2019, has been instrumental in this resurgence. Since his return, Celtic have lost only eight competitive matches, underscoring the consistency and strength that have become the hallmarks of Rodgers' tenure.

Rangers' Struggles to Keep Pace

For Rangers, the last few years have been a story of near misses and growing frustrations. After their dramatic rise back through the divisions, culminating in an undefeated league title in the 2020-21 season, the Gers have struggled to keep pace with their arch-rivals. Despite finishing second in each of the three subsequent campaigns, Rangers have found themselves increasingly adrift of Celtic, with the points gap widening each year.

In the 2021-22 season, Rangers finished four points behind Celtic. The following season, the gap widened to seven points, and by the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Rangers were eight points adrift of their rivals. This trend of falling short has been a source of concern for the club and its supporters, who are desperate to see Rangers reclaim the top spot in Scottish football.

The arrival of Philippe Clement in November 2023 was seen as a turning point for Rangers. The Belgian manager replaced Michael Beale, who was sacked after a disappointing start to the season that left Rangers trailing Celtic by seven points after just seven games. Clement was brought in with the hope that he could close the gap and restore Rangers to the summit of Scottish football.

However, Clement's first few months in charge were challenging. Rangers endured a difficult pre-season, losing three and drawing one of their warm-up matches. The struggles continued into the start of the new season, with Rangers managing just one win in their first four games across all competitions. This poor run of form raised questions about Clement's ability to turn things around and sparked concerns among the Gers faithful.

Despite these early setbacks, there have been signs of improvement in Rangers' recent performances. In their last two league matches, Clement's side secured a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone, followed by a resounding 6-0 win against Ross County. These results have provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of Sunday's Old Firm derby, where Rangers will be desperate to end their disappointing run of results against Celtic.

The Importance of the Old Firm Derby

The Old Firm derby is always a fiercely contested affair, with the outcome often having significant implications for the rest of the season. For Celtic, a victory on Sunday would further solidify their position at the top of the table and extend their lead over Rangers to five points. Given their current form and unbeaten run, a win would reinforce the perception that they are the team to beat this season.

On the other hand, for Rangers, this match represents an opportunity to close the gap on their rivals and send a statement of intent to the rest of the league. A win at Celtic Park would not only boost their points tally but also provide a psychological edge in the title race. It would demonstrate that Rangers are still capable of competing with Celtic and could mark a turning point in their season.

The last meeting between these two sides was a dramatic encounter in the Scottish Cup final, where Celtic emerged victorious thanks to a last-minute winner from Adam Idah. That win extended Celtic's unbeaten streak against Rangers to five matches, with their last defeat coming in May 2023. For Rangers, this run of results has been a source of frustration, and they will be determined to break the cycle on Sunday.

Tactical Battle and Key Players

The tactical battle between Rodgers and Clement will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this match. Rodgers has been praised for his ability to adapt his tactics based on the opposition, and his approach to this game will likely be no different. Celtic have shown themselves to be a well-organized and disciplined team, with a strong defense that has yet to concede a goal in the league this season. However, they also possess a potent attacking threat, with players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada capable of causing problems for any defense.

For Rangers, the challenge will be finding a way to break down Celtic's defense while also keeping their own backline secure. Clement has shown a willingness to be flexible in his tactical approach, and it will be interesting to see how he sets up his team for this match. The recent 6-0 win against Ross County suggests that Rangers have the firepower to trouble Celtic, but they will need to be at their best to come away with a result.

Key players for Celtic will include Furuhashi, who has been in fine form this season, and captain Callum McGregor, who will be expected to control the midfield. In defense, Cameron Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the back, and his partnership with Carl Starfelt will be crucial in keeping Rangers at bay.

For Rangers, much will depend on the performances of their attacking trio, consisting of Abdallah Sima, Sam Lammers, and Danilo. All three have shown glimpses of their potential, and Clement will be hoping they can deliver on the big stage. In midfield, John Lundstram's battle with McGregor could be pivotal, while at the back, the experienced James Tavernier will need to lead by example.

The Fans and the Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Celtic Park is expected to be electric, with both sets of fans eager to see their team come out on top. The Old Firm derby is known for its intense and passionate atmosphere, and Sunday's match will be no different. The rivalry between these two clubs goes beyond just football, with deep-rooted cultural and historical significance, making it one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in world football.

Celtic fans will be in full voice, hoping to see their team continue their unbeaten run and extend their lead at the top of the table. For Rangers supporters, this match represents a chance to reignite their title challenge and claim bragging rights over their bitter rivals. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the rest of the season, and both sets of fans will be fully aware of its importance.

Conclusion

As Celtic and Rangers prepare to lock horns in the first Old Firm derby of the 2024-25 season, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter. Celtic have started the season in imperious form, and a win on Sunday would further establish their dominance in Scottish football. For Rangers, this match represents an opportunity to get their season back on track and show that they can still compete with their fierce rivals.

The tactical battle between Rodgers and Clement, the performances of key players, and the electric atmosphere at Celtic Park will all play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this match. With so much at stake, Sunday’s Old Firm derby promises to be a match to remember.