The first Old Firm derby of this season is here, where Rangers will take on the defending champions, Celtic, in an intriguing Scottish Premiership clash on Sunday.
Rangers, who are winless in their first three outings of the Premiership this season so far, will be coming into this match on the back of a disappointing Champions League elimination. Russell Martin's team was blown away by Club Brugge in the second leg, losing 9-1 on aggregate to Club Brugge in the playoff round of the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, the reigning Premiership champs, Celtic, are 6 points ahead of their rivals on the Premiership leaderboard and currently sitting at the top. The Bhoys had a heartbreaking exit from the Champions League when they were defeated on penalties (2-3) by Kairat Almaty in the playoff round.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Rangers vs. Celtic live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premiership match in the UK:
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football
Live stream: Sky Go, NOW, Sky Go Extra
This match is available for live TV broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Streaming Options are available on Sky Go, NOW and Sky Go Extra.
What time does Rangers vs. Celtic kick off?
This Premiership clash takes place at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, and kicks off on Sunday, August 31 at 12:00 p.m. local time (BST).
Rangers vs. Celtic lineups, team news
The hosts will miss the services of their right-back, Dujon Sterling, who has been ruled out until early 2026 with an Achilles tendon injury. The good thing for Russell Martin is that he has plenty of options available in the squad for the selection.
Keeping that 0-6 tragic defeat to Club Brugge in mind, Martin will make sure to bring key changes for their crucial Sunday fixture. Skipper James Tavernier is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Nicolas Raskin, Mohammed Diomande, Cyriel Dessers, and Mikey Moore could all also feature from the start.
Rangers predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Butland (GK) — Tavernier, Souttar, Djiga, Meghoma — Cameron, Diomande, Raskin — Moore, Dessers, Gassama.
Injured: Sterling
Suspended: None
As for Celtic, Alistair Johnston (hamstring), Auston Trusty (foot), and Jota (ligament) will remain sidelined with their respective injuries.
Kieran Tierney is likely to get a slot in the starting lineup, meaning that he will be starting in his first Old Firm derby since 2019.
Daizen Maeda is likely to retain his spot in the attacking line, with James Forrest and Yang Hyun-jun also anticipated to start.
Celtic predicted starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Schmeichel (GK) — Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney — Nygren, McGregor, Hatate — Forrest, Maeda, Hyun-jun.
Injured: Johnston, Trusty, Jota
Suspended: None
Scottish Premiership fixture schedule this week
Sunday, August 32
- Rangers vs. Celtic (12 p.m. BST)
- Dundee vs. Dundee United (2 p.m. BST)
- Aberdeen vs. Falkirk (3 p.m. BST)
- Hibernian vs. St Mirren (3 p.m. BST)
Related Links
- Latest men's soccer news and rumors
- Latest women's soccer news and rumors
- How to bet on Soccer