Rangers vs Celtic Prediction - 1st March 2026

The Old Firm derby takes centre stage this weekend as Rangers host Celtic in a crucial Premiership clash that could significantly impact the title race. With Heart of Midlothian surprisingly leading the pack, both Glasgow giants need three points, but the data strongly favours the home side at Ibrox. Rangers come into this fixture sitting second in the table with 56 points from 28 games, boasting the league's best defensive record with just two defeats all season. Their home form has been nothing short of formidable, winning 83.33% of their last six home fixtures while averaging an impressive 3.50 goals per game and conceding just 0.50. The Gers have been particularly potent in front of goal recently, netting 25 times in their last ten outings (2.50 per game) including a statement 4-2 victory over league leaders Heart of Midlothian and a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock. The head-to-head record provides further encouragement for Rangers supporters. They hold a clear advantage over Celtic in recent meetings, winning three of the last eight encounters compared to Celtic's solitary victory. Rangers claimed a convincing 3-1 victory in the most recent derby on January 3rd, and their record at home against Celtic shows one win and two draws from the last three meetings - an unbeaten run they'll be desperate to extend. Celtic, meanwhile, arrive in concerning form. The Bhoys have won just three of their last ten matches (30% win rate) and are coming off back-to-back defeats against Hibernian (1-2) and Stuttgart (1-4) in the Europa League. Their away record offers little comfort either, with only a 25% win rate in their last four road trips and a worrying trend of declining performance metrics across the board. Celtic have conceded 16 goals in their last ten games (1.60 per game) and managed just two clean sheets during that period. Their three-game moving average shows just 0.67 goals scored and 0.33 points per game - alarming statistics for a side of Celtic's stature. From a statistical standpoint, Rangers dominate the shot metrics, averaging 16.88 shots per game compared to Celtic's 15.25, with superior accuracy and possession numbers (55.9% vs 54.5%). The finishing deltas reveal Rangers are overperforming their expected goals by 0.62, while Celtic are underperforming by 0.67 - suggesting Rangers' attacking play is more clinical and Celtic are struggling to convert their chances. With goal expectancies of 2.50 for Rangers and 1.12 for Celtic, the underlying numbers paint a picture of home dominance. Key Points: • Rangers have won 83.33% of their last six home games, averaging 3.50 goals per game • Celtic have lost their last two matches and won just 30% of their last ten games • Rangers defeated Celtic 3-1 in the reverse fixture on January 3rd • Rangers are overperforming their expected goals by 0.62 while Celtic underperform by 0.67 • Rangers have kept five clean sheets in their last ten games compared to Celtic's two • Celtic's three-game moving average shows just 0.67 goals and 0.33 points per game Summary: Rangers' formidable home record, combined with Celtic's alarming dip in form and Rangers' psychological edge from the 3-1 victory earlier this year, makes the home win at 2.25 excellent value. The implied probability of 44.4% significantly underestimates Rangers' true chances given their dominance at Ibrox and Celtic's struggles on the road. With Rangers averaging 3.50 goals per game at home and Celtic conceding 1.60 per game recently, the hosts should have too much quality for a Bhoys side short on confidence.