Rangers thrashed Celtic 3-1 in a breathless Old Firm derby at Celtic Park, moving just three points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts and level on points with their biggest rivals.
The result heaps yet more pressure on beleaguered manager Wilfried Nancy, who has now lost six of his first eight games in charge of the club. Initially though he looked on course for a morale-boosting win, with Celtic utterly dominant in the first half and unlucky not to be several goals ahead by half time.
A stunning 19th minute effort by Yang Hyun-Jun deservedly put the hosts ahead but Gers keeper Jack Butland kept his side in it with several big saves.
But it was a different story after the break as Rangers pushed from the outset, with Youssef Chermiti tapping in an easy equaliser before taking advantage of poor defending by Auston Trusty to sprint away and score a second.
A stunning turnaround was capped by Mikey Moore - who had an effort ruled out late in the first half for offside - beating Kasper Schmeichel with a low strike for Rangers’ third, with the visitors now unbeaten in five straight Old Firm derbies.
Follow all the action from Celtic v Rangers below.
Celtic v Rangers LIVE
- Celtic host Rangers in Old Firm derby | Kick-off at 12.30pm
- '71 GOAL! Moore beats Schmeichel for Rangers' third [CEL 1-3 RAN]
- '59 GOAL! Chermiti completes turnaround with quickfire double [CEL 1-2 RAN]
- '50 GOAL! Chermiti taps in equaliser in dream start to second half for visitors [CEL 1-1 RAN]
- '19 GOAL! Yang scores superb solo effort to put Celtic in front [CEL 1-0 RAN]
- Celtic XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Tierney, Yang, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny
- Rangers XI: Butland, Sterling, Fernandez, Souttar, Meghoma, Barron, Raskin, Aasgaard, Moore, Gassama, Chermiti
Report: Rangers stun Celtic in Old Firm comeback win to leave Wilfried Nancy on brink
Saturday 3 January 2026 15:26 , Will CastleCeltic boss Wilfried Nancy is surely standing on the precipice after Old Firm rivals Rangers came from behind to win 3-1 at Parkhead.
Hoops fans had turned on the French coach after just two wins in seven games as boss and he had pleaded for time.
It looked like he was catching a break when South Korea international Yang Hyun-jun scored a terrific solo goal in the 20th minute of a William Hill Premiership game dominated by the home side.
However, in a remarkable second-half turnaround, Rangers' much-maligned £8m striker Youssef Chermiti scored twice in nine minutes before Mikey Moore added a third in the 71st minute to leave Celtic stunned.
Rangers stun Celtic in Old Firm comeback win to leave Wilfried Nancy on brink
'Always good to score in a derby' - Youssef Chermiti
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:55 , Flo CliffordYoussef Chermiti has a chat with Sky Sports too. He says: “It's always good to score in a derby. As I said pre-match, this is what I work for, what everyone works for. It's a very good feeling.”
He’s asked whether his performance today will give him confidence after a bit of scrutiny. He says: “That's normal in football [to have criticism]. This is what I work for. If you want to be a big player you have to play for the big clubs and big pressure.”
'Today is a statement win' - Jack Butland
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:48 , Flo CliffordRangers keeper Jack Butland, who played a major part today, tells Sky Sports: “We had to weather a bit first half as you do when you come here. You can be up against it at times. We figured a few things out at half time but the effort, desire and performance in the second half was top. We deserved it in the end.
“They're a good side with good players. There were things that we got a bit exposed on but we stayed with it. The gaffer made a few changes and gave us a different perspective on ways to press them. It certainly worked.
“We can [get big wins] but until you do it, it's difficult for a new group. We've shown in difficult times this season an ability to bounce back, individually and collectively. Today is a statement win in that sense. Regardless of where we are in the league the games against your biggest rivals are important. Really positive to come here but also big weeks and big games to come.”
How the table looks
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:43 , Flo CliffordThe two Glasgow giants are now equal on points and goal difference, with Celtic only marginally in front in the league table on the basis of a superior number of goals scored.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:38 , Flo Clifford
Rangers close gap to Hearts
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:33 , Flo CliffordThe result means Rangers and Celtic are now level on points, 38 behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, with Danny Rohl’s men closing the gap to their Old Firm rivals.
FULL-TIME! Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:29 , Flo CliffordBig smiles on all the Rangers’ players faces. A good day for Youssef Chermiti, who’s had a fair bit of criticism but will be full of confidence now after two goals, and a good day for Mikey Moore too.
Not a good day for Wilfried Nancy, however. Rangers are now undefeated in five Old Firm derbies, and they head over to clap their fans.
FULL-TIME! Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:27 , Flo Clifford‘90+5: Rangers have had three shots on target in this half, and three goals. Clinical stuff.
McGregor floats in a long ball, Butland leaps to it with ease and falls on it to kill some time.
That’s it! Boos ring out. Rohl gives Nancy a consolation pat, and the Frenchman walks straight down the tunnel.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:25 , Flo Clifford‘90+4: A lot of empty seats here. Another bad outing for Celtic.
Araujo blasts away an attempt but slams it right into Butland!
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:24 , Flo Clifford‘90+3: Forrest lays off an attempt from just outside the box, but Fernandez hooks it clear... Araujo comes again, Celtic have numbers forward, Maeda now fancies a pop...
Rangers clear their lines but Engels crosses in again. Cleared once more. Last chance saloon for Celtic.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:23 , Flo Clifford‘90+2: Chermiti gets a warm round of applause as he’s replaced by Miovski... who immediately gets a yellow for a late challenge!
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:20 , Flo Clifford‘89: More Celtic subs: Scales and Forrest are on for Ralston and Tierney.
There will be five minutes added on. Potentially the last five minutes of Nancy’s tenure as Celtic manager?
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:17 , Flo Clifford‘87: Slight delay now as Tavernier - who has played the most Old Firm derbies this century - replaces Gassama, who initially doesn’t realise he needs to go off.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:17 , Flo Clifford‘85: More promising from Celtic. Hatate sends a cross to the far post, where Tierney tries to loop one over Butland and into the far corner, but the keeper lands on it gratefully.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:16 , Flo Clifford‘85: More promising from Celtic. Hatate sends a cross to the far post, where Tierney tries to loop one over Butland and into the far corner, but the keeper lands on it gratefully.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:14 , Flo Clifford‘83: In the middle of all this Yang switched to the left to make room for Araujo, but has been nowhere near as effective there. Odd choice.
SAVE! Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:11 , Flo Clifford‘79: Stellar defending and keeping! Engels flashes a sweet cross across the face of goal, aiming for the onrushing Maeda, but Butland gets down to make the save with Souttar about to make the clearance too. The pair nearly get in a tangle but Butland smothers.
Rangers are serenading their manager now, who gives them a little wave.
Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:06 , Flo Clifford‘74: Subs for Celtic: Yamada and Hatate are on for Kenny and Nygren.
Is this the end for Nancy? Celtic have fallen apart in this half and fans are already streaming towards the exits.
GOAL! Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:04 , Flo Clifford‘71: Gassama hooks in a cross for Chermiti, who’s looking for a hat-trick, but it’s too high...
But Rangers have a third anyway, this time through Moore! He’s been fairly anonymous but he has plenty of time after Gassama dinks through a lovely little pass; Moore picks it up on the right and floats into the box, slotting it low past Schmeichel, who really should save it.
Celtic 1-2 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 14:00 , Flo Clifford‘69: Schmeichel leaps up to collect easily but goes down after an elbow by Souttar.
Celtic 1-2 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:59 , Flo Clifford‘67: Slightly odd change by Nancy, whose head must be scrambled. McCowan, who’s been pretty good, is replaced by Bournemouth loanee Araujo, who hasn’t played for the Cherries since August and only arrived at Celtic yesterday.
He’s brought on just before a Rangers corner.
Celtic 1-2 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:54 , Flo Clifford‘63: The Rangers end is absolutely bouncing. Whatever Danny Rohl said at half-time has put a rocket up the backside of his players. They were dire in the first half. What a turnaround.
WIDE! Celtic 1-2 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:53 , Flo Clifford‘62: Celtic aren’t giving up, the ball takes a pop off a defender as the hosts push forward; it falls to Maeda but with Butland beaten he flashes narrowly wide!
GOAL! Celtic 1-2 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:51 , Flo Clifford‘59: The Rangers turnaround is complete!
Yang has an attempt blocked and Rangers counter... Trusty leaves Chermiti with acres of space as he runs from the middle of the park, and the defender only moves across when it’s too late, with Chermiti slotting home a free shot on goal!
Rangers are in front!
SAVE! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:47 , Flo Clifford‘56: Celtic certainly didn’t look convincing in the early stages of that half and fell asleep for that equaliser.
Rangers are hunting another... Tierney blocks Barron’s side-footed attempt. Barron sends in the corner but it doesn’t beat the first man.
Gassama gets a yellow for flooring Kenny, it’s a naughty challenge and a Celtic corner.... Yang’s glancing header is palmed behind by Butland!
SAVE! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:45 , Flo Clifford‘54: McCowan threads a sweetly weighted ball through to Maeda in the centre of the box but Butland reads it well and makes a big save!
The deflecting ball is hooked behind for a Celtic corner, Engels takes it and there’s an absolute bun-fight in the box, impossible to even see the ball there are so many legs in the way, and eventually Butland makes an easy save.
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:42 , Flo Clifford‘50: Hello! Sterling makes a hash of a cut-back into the box, which Trusty clears, but Raskin recollects, zig-zags past a couple of defenders, holds off Trusty, and lays it off for Chermiti - who has the easiest of tap-ins!
Rangers are level!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:41 , Flo Clifford‘49: Players from both sides surround the ref after Engels flips onto the turf after a daft shirt-pull by Raskin, and Celtic win a free-kick deep in their half.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:38 , Flo Clifford‘47: Rangers are bidding to make a stronger start to this half, but McCowan cuts out a pass and sets up a counter, releasing Kenny... Fernandez gets back to send it out for a Celtic corner.
Engels float it in, Fernandez’s clearance falls to McGregor, but his half-volley bobbles wide! It may have taken a touch from a Rangers player though and it’s given as a goal kick.
SECOND HALF: Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:36 , Flo CliffordNo great surprise that Rangers have made a change: Aasgaard, who picked up a yellow just seven minutes in, is hooked for Diomande.
Back underway at Celtic Park.
HALF-TIME: Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:22 , Flo Clifford‘45+7: That’s the end of a pretty breathless half! Celtic are ahead thanks to a stunner from Yang and some dreadful defending from Rangers, who have been carved open far too many times and have Butland to thank for not being further behind.
Rangers aren’t out of this one, though, with that late goal by Moore - ruled out for offside in the build-up - an indication that Celtic aren’t out of the woods yet.
OFFSIDE! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:20 , Flo Clifford‘45+2: Still a chance for Rangers, who have a corner after Schmeichel basically falls asleep. Barron floats it in, Trusty clears it but only as far as Gassama, who doesn’t get a decent connection with it.
Rangers come back though and Moore slots it home, nice little tap-in - but the flag goes up for offside in the build-up!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:18 , Flo Clifford‘45+1: Nygren threads the ball through a host of Rangers players’ legs to the back post. Rohl will be concerned about how porous his side have been at the back.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:17 , Flo Clifford‘45: Chermiti win a free-kick. Barron hooks in a deep ball, Chermiti is onto it... but he’s offside. Frustrating for the visitors as that was a decent chance.
Two minutes added on. Yang comes down the right again, latching onto a fine ball by Kenny, but he launches it well over the bar.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:14 , Flo Clifford‘41: Rangers have been hanging in here but 1-0 is far too slim a margin for Wilfried Nancy to feel comfortable. The visitors venture forward now; Trusty boots it away.
SAVE! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:10 , Flo Clifford‘37: Yang is everywhere! He has Meghoma in his pocket as he charges away down the right, cuts it back for McCowan, but Butland makes the save again.
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:07 , Flo Clifford‘35: Celtic are just peppering Butland’s goal. Ten shots to two so far... Yang sprints forward again now, Butland spots the danger and runs out and makes the save!
DOUBLE SAVE! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:05 , Flo Clifford‘32: Celtic have won all seven games at Parkhead this season when they’ve scored first, by the way.
They’re continuing to press, Kenny and Nygren are giving the Rangers back line a real headache - the pair combine again and Butland gets down low to deny Kenny!
It’s not quite dealt with though, Butland gets a palm to another attempt at the post but doesn’t send it over, and Fernandez, from almost under the crossbar, gets an acrobatic kick to it!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 13:01 , Flo Clifford‘28: This is breathless. Rangers have had a couple of chances to get in behind but Celtic have just about managed to scramble clear, before immediately breaking again.
Nygren picks the ball up on the right and flashes it across goal but Maeda trips and sits himself down before he can get there.
WIDE! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:59 , Flo Clifford‘26: Oh my word, huge chance for Rangers! Schmeichel sprints off his line to save from Gassama and gets a palm to his attempt, leaving the goal wide open. He flings it behind for a corner but it only narrowly drifts wide of goal!
Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:57 , Flo Clifford‘25: Celtic want another. Yang releases Kenny with a long ball to the edge of the box; he takes a touch but Rangers get their centre-backs there in time.
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:56 , Flo Clifford‘19: What a beauty! Yang sprints down the right, cuts into the box and lets fly an absolute stunner into the roof of the net! Simply too much power on that for Butland.
Celtic are ahead and the stadium is bouncing!
SAVE! Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:52 , Flo Clifford‘18: Celtic break, it falls to Kenny right in the centre, but Butland saves!
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:51 , Flo Clifford‘18: Corner to Rangers. They’ve scored eight goals from a corner so far this season.... it’s sent long towards Chermiti, a touch too long perhaps, but Rangers re-work it forward to Gassama. Celtic manage to clear their lines.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:49 , Flo Clifford‘17: Rangers win a free-kick; in the absence of captain Tavernier Barron will take this... Maeda clears and Celtic break!
McCowan wastes it though, attempting to thread a pass forward with no-one anyone near it.
WIDE! Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:46 , Flo Clifford‘14: All Celtic in the last few minutes and the fans are certainly getting behind them. Souttar puts it behind for a Celtic corner...
Engels floats it in but Trusty heads it wide!!
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:45 , Flo Clifford‘13: Raskin does brilliantly to hold Nygren up on the edge of the box. Another fast break from Celtic and they’re knocking on the door....
CHANCE! Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:43 , Flo Clifford‘11: The volume ratchets up another few notches as Kenny carves open the Rangers back line with ease: it’s a fine run down the right and he fizzes the ball across goal, but Maeda just isn’t there in time.
Celtic come again; Nygren flashes a long ball across to Yang as Rangers get bodies back at pace. The hosts regather and it eventually falls to McCowan, but he drags it well wide!
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:41 , Flo Clifford‘8: This is the 448th meeting between these two sides in a major competition, with - amazingly - 172 wins for both.
Aasgaard, who was sent off in the Scottish League Cup semi-final meeting between these two sides, is first into the book here for a tug on McCowan’s shirt. A rather desperate move after a poor touch allowed McCowan to dart away.
Rangers are doing most of the pressing so far. Gassama gets jeered for a dismal cross in the area which sails well wide.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:37 , Flo Clifford‘4: Fernandez and Engels get into a bit of a scrap over the ball, and Fernandez barges his man over after a bit of a shirt-pull by the Celtic man, catching him with a stray elbow.
Engels gets to his feet rather gingerly and we’re okay to continue after a little while.
Celtic 0-0 Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:35 , Flo Clifford‘3: Rangers get things underway and immediately win a throw-in near the corner flag... but take it short.
Souttar retrieves the ball near his keeper after the visitors misplace it.
Both sides are feeling each other out so far.
KICK-OFF: Celtic vs Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:32 , Flo CliffordA huge roar greets the teams after that lovely moment of appreciation. Both sets of fans are in fine voice; Rangers really believe here.
Away we go!
Celtic vs Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:32 , Flo CliffordJust before kick-off both teams gather for a moment to remember John Robertson, a star of the Scotland national team and former assistant at Celtic, with a heartfelt round of applause.
Celtic vs Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:29 , Flo CliffordMoments to go!
Nervy atmosphere at Parkhead.
Team news reminder
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:22 , Flo CliffordCeltic XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Tierney, Yang, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny
Rangers XI: Butland, Sterling, Fernandez, Souttar, Meghoma, Barron, Raskin, Aasgaard, Moore, Gassama, Chermiti
Debut for Araujo?
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:17 , Flo CliffordMexican defender Julian Araujo is on the subs bench for Celtic today and could be in line for an appearance after his loan move from Bournemouth yesterday.
The 24-year-old hadn’t made an appearance for the Cherries since an EFL Cup defeat to Brentford in August, when he was sent off for picking up two yellows.
“I know the demands at a club like Celtic, and I am ready for these. I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead and I want to play my part in bringing good times and good, winning football to our supporters,” Araujo said on his arrival.
Danny Rohl: Derby win 'would be amazing'
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:11 , Flo CliffordThe Rangers boss said winning the Old Firm derby for the first time “would be amazing".
“For this we need a big, big performance,” he said.
“It's just three points - but this game is never about just three points. There is an emotional side.
“If we are right there, we are front foot and we can win some good balls and we hurt them, then they will be more nervous - but if they create some good moments in the beginning then I think the crowd will be behind them.”
Players warming up
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:08 , Flo Clifford.jpeg)
Rangers targeting new signings in January
Saturday 3 January 2026 12:05 , Flo CliffordRangers boss Danny Rohl has had a better start to life than Wilfried Nancy after both were parachuted in mid-season.
And he appears to have backing in the transfer market, with Rangers looking to strengthen this January to build on their recent momentum.
“We are working 24/7 for players,” Rohl said ahead of today’s meeting. |It's about decision making, it's about negotiations, it's about timing. We have some players in our mind but you have to be a little bit patient.
“You always hope as a manager to get the players in very early. In January you have to be patient, but you have to be demanding. You have to take the opportunities and there are opportunities in the market.”
Left-back might be an area which gets some attention. Rohl added: “On the right side, I have good options. Jayden [Meghoma] at the moment is very solid, especially the defensive side, I like how he has improved.
“Sometimes I played Max [Aarons] on the left, so it could be an area that we are looking for to improve.”
Rangers lash out at state of refereeing in Scottish football
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:57 , Flo CliffordThat Scottish League Cup encounter had even more friction to it than normal, with Rangers lashing out at the state of refereeing in Scottish football in the wake of that defeat.
In a strongly-worded statement, the club said they remain "unsatisfied" following a meeting with the Scottish FA to discuss key incidents during the game.
Rangers hit out at Scottish referees in strongly-worded statement after Celtic defeat
Old Firm titans renew rivalry
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:50 , Flo CliffordNeed a refresh of the last time these two met? It was something of an epic: Celtic squeaked past 10-man Rangers thanks to two extra-time goals to win their Scottish League Cup semi-final.
Callum Osmand settles epic League Cup semi-final as Celtic beat Rangers in extra time
Police presence outside Parkhead
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:45 , Flo Clifford
Wilfried Nancy delivers passionate plea to supporters
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:40 , Flo CliffordBeleaguered Celtic boss Wilfried Nancy delivered an extraordinary defence of his time in charge so far in his press conference ahead of this crucial game.
“I know your job is to attack me, or to ask a lot of questions, no problem with that,” he said. “My job is to be a coach, your job is to ask questions.
“If you want to judge me now, you can do it. I didn't have the results we wanted - it's a fact, I cannot deny that.
“This is only the beginning. Usually, we have four or five weeks of pre-season. I didn't have that.
“The reality is, before I came, I knew if I didn't win games, I was going to be in trouble. This is part of the job.
“I suffer - not the criticism, because that's part of my job. I suffer that I know that if [a player] gets in this position, we can outplay the opposition, but he is not ready to do it.
“I attack in different ways, but my players need time to understand what I want to do.
“You don't win, you get killed. You win, OK.”
Players arriving
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:30 , Flo Clifford
Rangers team news
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:29 , Flo CliffordDanny Rohl makes two changes from the side that beat St Mirren last time out: captain James Tavernier and Mohamed Diomande are on the bench, with Dujon Sterling and Connor Barron coming into the starting XI.
Celtic team news
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:24 , Flo CliffordWilfried Nancy has made three changes from the 2-0 defeat to Motherwell midweek.
Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Johnny Kenny replace Liam Scales, Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate, who drop to the bench.
New signing Julian Araujo, on loan from Bournemouth, is named on the subs bench.
Rangers line-up
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:21 , Flo CliffordRangers XI: Butland, Sterling, Fernandez, Souttar, Meghoma, Barron, Raskin, Aasgaard, Moore, Gassama, Chermiti
Subs: Kelly, Nsiala, Aarons, Tavernier, Curtis, Dowelll, Diomande, Miovski, Danilo
💙 Today’s team to face Celtic at Parkhead. pic.twitter.com/5FLDjP54Hl
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) January 3, 2026
Celtic line-up
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:18 , Flo CliffordCeltic XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Tierney, Yang, McGregor, Engels, McCowan, Nygren, Maeda, Kenny
Subs: Sinisalo, Scales, Yamada, Araujo, Bernardo, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Donovan
📋 How we lineup for today’s Glasgow Derby ⤵️#CELRAN | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/xcMxzLLhp5
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 3, 2026
How the table looks
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:12 , Flo CliffordAs it stands Hearts are three points clear of Celtic at the top of the table, with Rangers another three points further back.
But the form guide tells another story: Wilfried Nancy has lost five of his first seven matches in charge of Celtic, including the most recent, a 2-0 defeat by Motherwell.
Rangers meanwhile have eight wins out of 11 matches played under Danny Rohl, and a win today could see them leapfrog their biggest rivals into second.
Predicted line-ups
Saturday 3 January 2026 11:02 , Flo CliffordCeltic XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Tierney, Hyun-Jun, Engels, McGregor, McCowan, Hatate, Nygren, Maeda
Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Fernandez, Meghoma, Aasgaard, Diomande, Raskin, Gassama, Chermiti, Moore
Team news
Saturday 3 January 2026 10:55 , Flo CliffordCeltic boss Wilfried Nancy has no fresh injury concerns, but is without long-term absentees Cameron Carter-Vickers, Alistair Johnston, Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand.
As for Rangers, Nasser Djiga is away with the Burkina Faso national team at the African Cup of Nations, while Oliver Antman, Nedim Bajram and Derek Cornelius are out injured.
How can I watch it?
Saturday 3 January 2026 10:50 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK will be able to watch the match live on Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 11:30am. It will also be available to stream on Sky Go.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
When is Celtic v Rangers?
Saturday 3 January 2026 10:45 , Flo CliffordThe Scottish Premiership meeting between Celtic and Rangers kicks off at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday 3 January at Parkhead.
Celtic v Rangers
Saturday 3 January 2026 10:40 , Flo CliffordCeltic and Rangers renew their Old Firm rivalry to start 2026 with a fiery Scottish Premiership clash at Parkhead.
With Hearts three points clear at the top of the table, Celtic know a win is pivotal, with their Glasgow rivals three more points further back in third.
Wilfried Nancy’s position as manager is still shrouded in uncertainty after Celtic lost 2-0 at Motherwell on Tuesday, while Rangers defeated St. Mirren 2-1 at Ibrox.
The last meeting saw Celtic defeat Rangers 3-1 in extra-time in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden Park back in November, though the Bhoys lost the final to St. Mirren last month.
Good morning
Saturday 3 January 2026 10:34 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Celtic v Rangers!
The Old Firm rivals meet once more in a hugely significant clash as both teams chase league leaders Hearts.
Follow all the build-up and action right here.
