Who will win Rangers vs Celtic? What history tells us once the title has been claimed

Dead rubber? Nothing at stake? A meaningless 90 minutes?

There's no such thing when it comes to battles between Celtic and Rangers.

Anyone expecting Neil Lennon's side to go into the first match after being crowned champions half-hearted are sure to be wide of the mark. Not when it just so happens to be at the home of their arch rivals.

But is it possible the Hoops might just be that little bit less intense for the high noon Premiership showdown? Maybe even subconsciously?

There had been suggestions among some, no doubt wind-up merchants, that Celtic could field a weakened team to face Steven Gerrard 's side on Sunday in a bid to save themselves for the Scottish Cup Final 13 days later.

(PA)

That won't happen. But could Scott Brown and Co be caught cold after their eight in a row celebrations by a Rangers side desperate to make a point and close the gap at the top to six points?

Record Sport Online love a wee delve into the history books and, with that in mind, we've gone back over the last two decades to see how the first derby panned out after the championship has been secured.

Here's what we discovered:

2017/18 - N/A (Celtic won league against Rangers)

2016/17 - Rangers 1 Celtic 5 (Celtic champions)

2013-2015 N/A (Rangers not in league)

2011/12 - Celtic 3 Rangers 0 (Celtic champions)

(PA)

2010/11 - N/A (Rangers champions on final day)

2009/10 - Celtic 2 Rangers 1 (Rangers champions)

2008/09 - N/A (Rangers champions on final day)

2007/08 - N/A (Celtic champions n final day)

2006/07 - Rangers 2 Celtic 0 (Celtic champions)

2005/06 - Celtic 0 Rangers 0 (Celtic champions)

2004/05 - N/A (Rangers champions on final day)

Rangers kitman Jimmy Bell with Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson in May 2005 (SNS Group)

2003/04 - Celtic 1 Rangers 0 (Celtic champions)

2002/03 - N/A (Rangers champions on final day)

2001/02 - Celtic 1 Rangers 1 (Celtic champions)

2000/01 - Rangers 0 Celtic 3 (Celtic champions)

1999/00 - N/A (Rangers champions)

1998/99 - N/A (Rangers won league against Celtic)

Conclusion

Drum roll....

Wins for champions - 4

Defeats for champions - 2

Draws - 1

So, in more cases than not, the champions win the last Old Firm clash and this points to a Celtic victory. But it’s not so conclusive you’d want to put your mortgage on it...