Celtic v Rangers: Team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch

The Celtic Star

·15 marzo 2025

Celtic v Rangers: Team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch

Celtic face theRangers at lunchtime on Sunday in the Glasgow Derby as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to go 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic is seen during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter-Final match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on March 09, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Scottish Champions can claim a fourth successive title with three more victories, starting against Barry Ferguson’s side.

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theRangers were extremely fortunate as they progressed in the Europa League on penalties against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce. Basque side Athletic Club, Bilbao will be looking to confirm a trophyless season (again) at Ibrox. Celtic were beaten in Govan in the last meeting between the teams and Brendan’s side will certainly be out for revenge and also to take a giant step towards the title.

Celtic Team News

Callum McGregor trained ahead of the game, initially on his own before rejoining the squad as he manages a calf complaint. The manager has confirmed that he will wait until the last minute before addressing whether he will start the skipper in the match.

Celtic v theRangers – Callum McGregor scores Celtic’s third goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park on Sunday September 1, 2024. Photo Steve Welsh

Paulo Bernardo remains out with an ankle injury. Liam Scales could require surgery on a facial injury and will be out. James Forrest was pictured involved in first team training and he may be an outsider for a place on the bench. Although, it may be too soon for the seasoned winger.

Kasper Schmeichel will start in goals. The Dane was the penalty shootout hero as Celtic beat theRangers to win the Premier Sports Cup back in December and he will be keen to help Celtic take three points as they look to retain the Scottish Premiership title.

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic applaud fans after final whistle Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Gas Scottish Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, 9 March 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The back four will likely be the same with the only question being that of the left back berth. Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers will start in the central pairing with Alistair Johnston at right back and likely Jefferey Schlupp at left back.

Callum McGregor is a doubt for the game but if he is fit enough then he will play. Should the 31-year-old be unfit to start the game, Luke McCowan will likely start in the midfield with Reo Hatate, meaning Arne Engels will drop into the deeper role.

Nicolas Kuhn scores during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Knockout Play-off second leg match between FC Bayern München and Celtic FC at Allianz Arena on February 18, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Daizen Maeda is a certainty to start through the middle. The Japanese attacker will play alongside Jota, who returns to the fixture after joining the club in January, with Nicolas Kühn.

Predicted Celtic Team

Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Schlupp, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Johnston; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Jota, Maeda, Kühn.

Match Officials

Aberdeen v Celtic Scottish Premiership 03-02-2024. Referee Steven McLean during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland on 3 February 2024. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI

Steven McLean has been handed the whistle for the game. The experienced referee will be supported by Graeme Stewart and Dougie Potter running the line. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, John Beaton is on VAR duties with Sean Carr supporting. What could possibly go wrong with that gang in charge?

Kick Off Time

The game kicks off at 12:30 (Celtic Park Time).

Where to Watch

Sky Sports Football and Main Event with coverage from Paradise beginning at 11:30 (Celtic Park Time). Chris Sutton & Co will be discussing the game pre-match with the broadcaster an hour before kick off.

Celtic’s 2024 trophy haul. Photo Celtic FC

Celtic TV subscribers outside Britain and Ireland will be able to tune in on the club’s streaming service to take in the action from Glasgow’s East End.

Predicted Score

Both Glasgow Derbies this season in the Scottish Premiership have ended in 3-0 victories for the home side and that sequence will continue at Celtic Park later today with Maeda, Kuhn and Engels getting the goals on another Beautiful Sunday for Celtic.

COYBIG!

27 August 2000: Henrik Larsson celebrates during the Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 6 – 2. Photo: Stu Forster /Allsport