Rangers v Celtic predictions: free betting tips and where to watch

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Rangers v Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 12.30pm Saturday

Best bet

Celtic
1pt 5-2 general

Team news

Rangers

Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Nikola Katic are all out for Rangers. Ryan Kent is pushing for a start.

Celtic
James Forrest will miss the second Old Firm derby of the season, while Celtic have major doubts over Hatem Abd Elhamed and Christopher Jullien.

Match preview

Celtic need to beat Rangers in the second Old Firm derby of the season if they are to stay on their rivals' tail in the title race.

Rangers sit 16 points clear of their fierce rivals, although the Bhoys have three games in hand, and a win for the Gers at Ibrox is likely to spell the end of Celtic's ten-in-a-row dream.

There's no doubt that Neil Lennon's side have improved since their 2-0 defeat to the Gers at Celtic Park in October and the question for punters is, have they progressed more than the prices suggest. At 5-2 the answer looks to be yes.

Lennon's switch of formation has seen Celtic hammer Ross County, Hamilton and Dundee United in their last three games and more importantly the Bhoys have kept three clean sheets in that run of fixtures.

Celtic have options in the holding role with skipper Scott Brown expected to return in place of Ismaila Soro.

David Turnbull has impressed at the top of the midfield, and while Christopher Jullien's likely absence at the back will be a blow, the improved defensive performances have been more down to the change in shape rather than individuals.

There's no doubt that Rangers remain a quality side, but they have looked a little jaded of late.

The Gers weren't at their best in a narrow 1-0 win at home to Hibs on Boxing Day and the same can be said about their 2-0 win at St Mirren on Wednesday.

Perhaps Steve Gerrard's side are regressing slightly, or it may just be tiredness, but either way Celtic look decent value at 5-2 to put themselves in the title picture.

Key stat

Celtic have conceded just one goal in their last five league matches