Rangers are unbeaten in four Old Firms, dating back to last season's League Cup Final, last enjoying a longer streak in 2021.
When played at Hampden, Celtic have won eight of the last nine Glasgow derbies, including each of the last four, the Gers' most-recent League Cup victory over their fierce rivals coming in the 2011 final; Nikica Jelavić the extra time hero.
Celtic vs Rangers preview
There is often something bonkers going on at one of the two Glasgow giants, but not usually both at the same time. Thus, this all should provide the perfect backdrop for a crazy semi-final Sunday.
Starting with Celtic, on Monday night the shock news broke that manager Brendan Rodgers had resigned, with primary shareholder Dermot Desmond subsequently releasing a scathing statement of the now departed boss, calling him self-serving and responsible for creating a toxic atmosphere around the club. This was so shocking that it buried the lead which is the fact that, 20 years after departing, Martin O'Neill is back in interim charge until a permanent successor can be found. He won his first game back in charge of Wednesday night, swatting aside Falkirk 4-0 at Parkhead, with Johnny Kenny scoring twice, while Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti also on target.
Prior to this, the Hoops had suffered back-to-back Premiership defeats, including being beaten 3-1 by league-leaders Hearts at Tynecastle last Sunday, albeit they did close the gap at the top to six points this week. In League Cup terms, the Celts have so far hammered Falkirk and Partick Thistle, so are seeking to lift this trophy for the ninth time in 12 seasons. O'Neill's first-ever Glasgow derby was a famous 6-2 win in 2000, and he'd certainly settle for a repeat scoreline on Sunday.
Meantime, this is just a fourth match in charge for new Rangers boss Danny Röhl, and there are signs that he is starting to turn the previously sinking ship around. The Gers only won one of their first eight Premiership matches, but Röhl has won two out of two, beating Kilmarnock 3-1 at Ibrox and then Hibs 1-0 in dramatic fashion at Easter Road on Wednesday. Danilo's left-footed strike was the only goal of the game, but they required a late penalty save from Jack Butland to preserve all three points.
This is the first time in 25 matches away from Ibrox that Rangers have kept a clean sheet, dating back to December last year, surpassing the unwanted club record set in Victorian times. These back-to-back victories have propelled the Gers up to third in the Premiership, still five points below their rivals, underlining how wretched they were under Russell Martin. Now though, after less than a fortnight in the job, Röhl is eyeing silverware. The Light Blues have ousted by Alloa and Hibernian at Ibrox to reach the last four of the League Cup and, with St Mirren facing Motherwell in Saturday's semi, the winners of this clash will unquestionably be favourites in December's final. This Old Firm derby at Hampden could truly go either way, so who will be celebrating come full time atop Mount Florida?
Celtic vs Rangers head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 447.
- Celtic Wins: 170. Draws: 106. Rangers Wins: 171.
Celtic team news
Celtic are dealing with something of a major injury crisis right now, given that Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Jota and Kelechi Ịheanachọ are all sidelined.
In a major boost though, Daizen Maeda came off the bench for the final 25 minutes on Wednesday, thereby likely to lead the line, with Johnny Kenny dropping out, despite his brace against Falkirk.
Alongside in attack, James Forrest started in mid-week, so will he feature in a 34th Old Firm match, or will summer signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha come in? Sebastian Tounekti is a guaranteed starter on the opposite side, while Benjamin Nygren had been started on the right towards the end of Brendan Rodgers reign, before Martin O'Neill put him back into midfield.
Lastly, in defence, Kieran Tierney could return at left-back, while Auston Trusty and Anthony Ralston will continue to deputise for the sidelined Carter-Vickers and Johnston.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Rangers: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Forrest, Tounekti, Maeda.
Celtic player to watch vs Rangers
As already mentioned, Daizen Maeda's return is a massive boost, especailly considering he has scored five career goals against Rangers, as well as converting the winning penalty in last December's League Cup Final.
Rangers team news
First and foremost, Connor Barron, who started against Hibernian on Wednesday, is suspended, having been cautioned in both League Cup ties en route to Hampden.
Danny Röhl is set to stick with the back three he's deployed for the last two matches, with captain James Tavernier returning at right-wing-back, while Mohamed Diomandé will come into midfield.
In attack, Röhl does have decisions to make. Oliver Antman has missed both matches this week due to illness, with Danilo scoring against both Killie and Hibs, thereby surely earning himself a start.
Alongside, Djeidi Gassama's five goals so far this season should see him come into the lineup, but any of Mikey Moore, Thelo Aasgaard, Bojan Miovski or modern-day club-record signing Youssef Chermiti could complete the attacking trio.
Rangers predicted lineup vs Celtic: (3-4-2-1): Butland; Dijga, Cornelius, Souttar; Tavernier, Raskin, Diomandé, Meghoma; Danilo, Gassama, Chermiti.
Rangers player to watch vs Celtic
This will be James Tavernier's 43rd career Old Firm appearance, winning only ten to date. He has though scored six times against Celtic, so can he add to his tally of goals and wins on Sunday?
Celtic vs Rangers prediction
In truth, predicting this outcome of this Glasgow derby is literally impossible. We do though give the edge to Rangers, given that Danny Röhl has had a little longer to work with his player than Martin O'Neill, while Celtic's injury crisis leaves them without key figures: Celtic 1-2 Rangers.
Celtic vs Rangers FAQs - Scottish League Cup
How to watch Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish League Cup on TV channel?
Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish League Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK & Ireland: Premier Sports 1.
- USA: CBS Sports Network, fuboTV & Paramount+
How to watch Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish League Cup on live streaming?
Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish League Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK & Ireland: Premier Sports Player.
- USA: CBS Sports Network, fuboTV & Paramount+
What is the date and kick-off time for Celtic vs Rangers in the Scottish League Cup?
Celtic vs Rangers takes place on Sunday 2 November 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (ET) & 6:00 (PT).