Glasgow is gearing up for a rare Old Firm double-header, with Rangers set to host Celtic at Ibrox in consecutive fixtures.
The first clash comes this Sunday, when Rangers welcome their city rivals in the Scottish Premiership. Scheduled for 1 March, this latest encounter could have significant implications for the title race, making it one of the most crucial derbies in years.
The teams will meet again at Ibrox on 8 March, this time in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals. Rangers will be keen to make a deep run in the competition, which they haven’t won since the 2021–22 season.
Ahead of these mouth-watering fixtures, Celtic faced the challenge of overturning a three-goal deficit against Stuttgart in the Europa League Round of 32. Martin O’Neill’s side suffered a heavy 4-1 loss at Celtic Park last week, making progression a steep uphill battle.
Despite insisting before the second leg that Celtic’s focus was entirely on Europe rather than the upcoming Old Firm clash, O’Neill’s team selection suggested otherwise. The experienced manager made eight changes from the side that lost to Hibernian, dropping Kasper Schmeichel, Julian Araujo, Liam Scarles, Kieran Tierney, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Benjamin Nygren, Sebastian Tounekti, and Tomas Cvancara.
Celtic weren’t able to overturn the deficit at the MHP Arena, though they did secure a 1-0 win thanks to a Luke McCowan strike in the first minute. The club is navigating a hectic schedule, something Rangers are currently avoiding, and they must make the most of these circumstances.
Following the Hibernian defeat on Sunday, Celtic had to fly to Stuttgart on Thursday and then return to Glasgow for Sunday’s Old Firm clash. They then face an away trip to Aberdeen next Wednesday before meeting Rangers again in the Scottish Cup. In contrast, Danny Rohl’s Rangers side hasn’t played since a 2-2 draw with Livingston last Sunday and will enjoy an extra week of rest between the two derbies.
With Celtic stretched thin, Rangers will likely arrive at these fixtures fresher and sharper, giving them a potential advantage in exploiting their rivals’ packed schedule.
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