Rangers Carry Two Injury Doubts Into Old Firm
Rangers Carry Two Injury Doubts Into Old Firm
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Key Points
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Rangers’ 3-0 League Cup win was powered by a brace from vice-captain Dan Neil and a goal from £9 million summer signing Kevin Kelsy, sending the club into the semi-finals.
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Celtic have won six of their last eight Old Firm league meetings at Celtic Park, a record that gives the hosts a significant historical advantage despite last weekend’s defeat.
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Rangers’ week without a match follows their elimination from European qualifying, and the club has maintained a perfect record in its five matches since that European exit.
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Derek McInnes said Rangers intend to reproduce the aggression, energy and confidence that underpinned their League Cup victory, saying those qualities are more important than making major tactical changes.
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McInnes said Rangers chief executive Jim Gillespie had raised Mika Baur’s challenge on Ryan Naderi with Willie Collum and the Scottish FA, describing himself as “not happy” that the incident was not reviewed and saying Naderi’s ankle was “a mess.”
Celtic host Rangers on Sunday in the first Scottish Premiership Old Firm derby of the season, with both sides carrying injury concerns into the Glasgow clash. Celtic remain unbeaten in league play and lead by five points, but their momentum took a hit after Thursday's 3-1 Europa League loss to Ferencvaros The Independent, while Rangers arrive on a five-match winning streak across all competitions following their 3-0 League Cup victory last weekend Yahoo Sports.
Rangers manager Derek McInnes faces multiple fitness headaches ahead of the match. Ryan Naderi is doubtful after an ankle injury from the previous derby, Tuur Rommens is being assessed despite Friday training, and a third unnamed player is also a concern Give Me Sport. McInnes said Naderi's ankle is "a mess" and revealed that chief executive Jim Gillespie has raised the incident with the Scottish FA, expressing frustration that it was not reviewed Give Me Sport.
Rangers' Week Off Pays Dividends With Five Straight Wins
Rangers eliminated from European qualifying has actually worked in their favor. The club has won five consecutive matches across all competitions since that exit, building momentum heading into Parkhead Yahoo Sports. Their 3-0 League Cup victory last weekend showcased attacking prowess, with vice-captain Dan Neil scoring twice and £9 million summer signing Kevin Kelsy adding another to send Rangers into the semi-finals Give Me Sport.
McInnes wants to replicate the intensity from that performance. He said Rangers intend to reproduce "the aggression, energy and confidence" that powered the League Cup win, suggesting tactical tweaks matter less than bringing that mindset to Celtic Park Give Me Sport.
Celtic's Perfect League Record Faces Stiffest Test Yet
Despite losing to Rangers in the League Cup, Celtic remain perfect in Scottish Premiership play and hold a five-point advantage over their rivals Heavy. History favors the home side at Parkhead—Celtic have won six of their last eight Old Firm league meetings at Celtic Park, giving them a significant edge in head-to-head records 67 Hail Hail.
However, Celtic's midweek Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros has dented their momentum heading into Sunday. The 3-1 loss, combined with injuries and international absences—including a South Korean international away with his national team—leaves Martin O'Neill's squad stretched 67 Hail Hail.
Away Fans Absent Again as SPFL Maintains Controversial Ban
The match will again be played without away supporters under an SPFL arrangement, continuing a policy that has defined recent Old Firm derbies The Independent. This setup creates an unusual atmosphere at Celtic Park, removing one of football's most combustible elements—rival fan bases in the same stadium.
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