Celtic vs Rangers predictions, betting tips, lineups and free bets (Scottish Premier League - 2.9.2018)

The first Old Firm derby of the Scottish Premiership season is an early one this year as Celtic and Rangers go head to head on 2nd September. Who will claim the bragging rights? Read here our Celtic vs Rangers betting preview with betting tips, predictions, starting line-ups, team news, best odds, betting promotions and no deposit free bets on this clash

Celtic v Rangers betting preview  

Celtic have a brilliant home record and have dominated this fixture in recent years

Celtic suffered an early Champions League elimination at the hands AEK Athens in the third qualifying round at Tyncastle. Anyway, the Hoops secured Europa League qualification at leaste, after a 1-1 draw in Lithuania with Suduva Marijampole was followed by a 3-0 home victory on Thursday. They have already slipped up in the Scottish Premier League, falling 1-0 away at Hearts in the second round. That was only their fifth league loss in three seasons. The Hoops sit a point above their rivals in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic have won 30 of 40 home league games since Brendan Rodgers took charge (W30 D9 L1).

New signings Youssouf Mulumbu and Filip Benkovic are unlikely to feature from the start. Jack Hendry and Jozo Simunovic (both ankle) remain major doubts, as well as  striker Odsonne Edouard. Nir Bitton is a out though injury while Marvin Compper and Lewis Morgan are still short of fitness. Moussa Dembele joined Lyon on deadline day, so Leigh Griffiths is expected to lead the line. He will be supported by three offensive midfielders - Scott Sinclair, Callum McGregor and James Forrest.

Rangers have a spring in their step under the stewardship of new manager Steven Gerrard

Rangers have made a decent start domestically. Steven Gerrard's men unbeaten in 12 games since the former Liverpool legend took over at Ibrox in the summer. Last weekend the Gers could only draw 3-3 away against a struggling Motherwell and conceded a 94th minute equaliser to drop 2 points at Fir Park. Late goals have already cost them four points in the league this season. In Europa League, Rangers have knocked out Shkupi, Osijek, Maribor and Russian side Ufa to get into the Europa League group stages. They have not beaten Celtic since their return to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 (D2 L6).

The visitors have no fresh injuries. Lassana Coulibaly remains out along with Jamie Murphy, Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter. Joe Worrall could make his debut for Rangers after completing a season-long loan move from Nottingham Forest this week. In a 3-5-2 starting system, Alfredo Morelos is expected to partner new signing Kyle Lafferty up front. The likes James Tavernier and Borna Barisic will be deployed at wing-back while Ovie Ejaria, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack will start in the middle of the park.

Celtic v Rangers Starting Lineups   

Celtic (4-2-3-1): Gordon; Lustig, Hendry, Boyata, Tierney; Brown, Ntcham; Sinclair, Forrest, McGregor; Griffiths

Rangers (3-5-2): McGregor; Katic, Flanagan, Goldson; Tavernier, Barisic, Ejaria, Arfield, Jack; Lafferty, Morelos

Celtic v Rangers Best Odds 

Don't settle for the first odds you see. Taking the highest prices on the market is very important! The following are the best odds on the Celtic vs Rangers match winner market. For simplicity purpose, we are showing the odds as decimal. You can learn how to convert odds form decimal to fractional here.

• Celtic1.63Bet
• The Draw 5.60Bet
• Rangers41.00Bet

Celtic v Rangers Betting Tips  

Old Firm Derbies are typically tough to predict but BetAndSkill's tipsters have deeply analysed all the key stats and info to give you the most accurate predictions on Celtic v Rangers. Each pick comes with the best available odds at the moment. So you can back the recommended tip and get the best price in few simple steps. Would you like to put all these picks in a single betslip? You can do it via Bet365's BetBuilder or Betfair's Same Multi.

• Celtic to win1.63Bet
• Draw/Celtic HT/FT 4.75Bet
• 1-0 Correct Score  8.00Bet
• Sending Off in the match    3.55Bet

If you’re just getting started betting on football, you might be confused by the multitudes of wagering options available. This is the reason why we are providing you with a brand new betting guide section! Plus, we are giving you the chance to start betting on football without deposit! Take a look at our no deposit bonus page and free bets promo codes.

Celtic v Rangers Free Bets & Promotions  

Looking for the best free bets for UK and international punters players. We have selected for you the best offers, promo codes and welcome bonuses from trusted and reputable betting sites! Just click the image below to access the largest collection of free bets! Choose your favourite offer, click the 'Claim' button and enjoy your betting bonus in a few simple steps!