Old Firm Ultimate Guide

Ahead of Celtic v Rangers on Saturday, we look at the history of the Old Firm, the best stats and players to watch out for…

For the first time in half a decade, the Scottish Premiership has a familiar look to it. Top of the table are Celtic with Rangers hot on their heels after four years spent in Scottish football’s lower divisions.

And it means the scene is perfectly set for the most anticipated Old Firm derby in decades, one of the most fiercely fought rivalries in football.

The last league meeting between these was in 2012, when Celtic cruised to a 3-0 win at Parkhead en-route to their first of five consecutive Scottish titles.

But it was Rangers who created the bigger waves that season, dropping into a financial spiral that saw the club liquidated and then reformed in the fourth tier of the league pyramid.

Plenty has changed since that 2012 meeting, but we have it covered right here, including the players to watch, the form of the two teams, and why this fixture matters quite so much…

Players to watch

Celtic: Scott Sinclair

Celtic could be the perfect destination for Sinclair to rejuvenate a career that had threatened to fizzle out. The former Chelsea, Swansea, Manchester City and Aston Villa forward has scored four goals in six appearances for the Hoops, including one on his debut. 

Celtic: Leigh Griffiths

The danger man as far as Rangers are concerned. Celtic’s No 9 is expected to be fit after missing out on Scotland’s 5-1 win over Malta at the weekend, which is huge for Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers.

Griffiths, who hit 31 league goals last season, already has two in his first three league appearances.

Celtic: Tom Rogic

The Australian midfielder has been superb for Celtic since returning from the A-League. He recently signed a new long-term contract amid reported interest from Premier League clubs and it’s not hard to see why.

It will be up to Rogic to set the tempo for Rodgers’ midfield if they are to dominate proceedings on Saturday.

Rangers: Joey Barton

Rangers’ biggest summer signing needs little introduction.

Barton will relish the occasion of the Old Firm derby, which could well be a positive but may also leave him vulnerable to an early bath.

There must also be concerns over the capability of Barton’s 34-year-old legs to deal with the pace and intensity of the fixture. With time on the ball, he should be superb for Rangers this season, but he’s not going to get that platform on Saturday.

If he hits his stride then Barton’s passing range could be a big factor in the game, but Celtic will look to get under his skin.

Rangers: Niko Kranjcar

There are few more talented footballers in the Scottish Premiership than Kranjcar, but even in his prime he was not known for his tenacity.

Add fitness concerns to a slightly lightweight style and it explains why Rangers are expected to have the Croatian on the bench for the fourth time this season.

His fluid and creative style of play could be exactly …

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