Rangers vs Celtic Prediction: Rangers can not afford to drop points

In an action-packed Thursday, Rangers will welcome Celtic to Ibrox Stadium in round 21 of the Scottish Premiership. These two teams last met in the League Cup, and Celtic won on penalties. How will Rangers approach this game? I will provide match previews and make betting opportunities available. 

Rangers

Rangers last league game was on the road against Motherwell, and they could only take a point. In a game that ended 2-2, Rangers had good control of possession at 70 percent. Attempting 23 shots, Rangers could only wait until the second half before netting their first goal, having gone behind by two goals before the break. However, with Hamza Igamane double in the 50th and 68th minutes, Rangers could avoid a defeat. 

Heading into this game, the home team has only one win in their last five matches. Rangers have not lost a home league game since last March. This season, Rangers have 36 points from 18 matches. In those games, this team scored 31 goals while conceding 13.

Celtic

Celtic will look to continue their impressive league run when taking on their old firm rival. In their last league game, Celtic played St Johnstone and secured a 4-0 win. In that game, Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn put this team in the lead before the break, and with a double from Kyogo Furushi and 74th-minute Daizen Maeda, Celtic made it consecutive league wins. 

Heading into this game, Celtic have not lost a single league game this season. The visiting team's last defeat was against Dortmund in the Champions League, ending in a disappointing 7-1 loss. Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership standings. The visiting team has the fewest goals conceded in the league this season, and the last time they conceded was in late November against Hearts. 

Expert Betting Tips

Rangers have been below par this season in the league, and I expect them to be at their best in all capacity in this game. While Celtic have shown class and competitiveness in the league, conceding four goals in the League Cup against this Rangers side demands that they give more class. The two teams have a lot to offer, and even though I constantly think Celtic are doing so well and are on a higher level in league matches, being on the road against this struggling Rangers side is not a good one. Yet, I feel Rangers are not doing so well to earn themselves a place in competing to win the league, with the league gap so broad already. However, while the two teams will see this game as crucial, I believe a bet on Celtic is still the best option, especially looking at how good their defence have been this season while being proficient in attack. Also, while Rangers seem to be a different team while playing against Celtic, a bet on goals is another option to consider while at home.