Rangers

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• Rangers are unbeaten in their past five league meetings with rivals Celtic (W3 D2), after having lost four of their previous five (D1). They have had four different managers in those five clashes (Philippe Clement, Barry Ferguson x 2, Russell Martin, Danny Rohl).

• Celtic have only won two of their past 12 away games at Rangers in all competitions (D4 L6), although the latest two have been drawn. Celtic last drew three successive trips to their Old Firm rivals in March 1996.

• Rangers have won their past 10 home games in all competitions by an aggregate score of 32-4. They last won 11 successive home matches in December 2013 under Ally McCoist (11), and last did so within a single season in April 2003 under Alex McLeish (18) – the 11th of which was against Celtic (3-2 in December 2002).

• Celtic have lost seven games in the Scottish Premiership this season, as many as they did in 2023-24 (three) and 2024-25 (four) combined. Celtic last suffered more defeats in a league campaign in 1999-00 (nine) – with their eighth defeat that season coming away to Rangers (4-0 in March 2000).

• After his side's 3-1 victory in January, Danny Rohl could become the first manager to win his first two league Old Firm derbies in charge of Rangers.

• This will be Martin O'Neill's first league Old Firm derby as Celtic boss since a 2-1 win at Ibrox in April 2005; the Northern Irishman has won eight of his past 10 league games against Rangers as Celtic boss (L2).

• Rangers' Mikey Moore, who scored at Celtic park in January, has five goals in the Premiership this season; the last player to score more while aged 18 or younger in a season in the competition was Ryan Gauld in 2013-14 (six), and the last non-Scottish player to do so in the top-flight was James McCarthy in 2008-09 (six).

• Despite playing 46% of his league minutes as a central midfielder, Celtic's Benjamin Nygren ranks joint top for goals (14, level with Tawanda Maswanhise), second for shots (67), second for shots on target (30), and third for expected goals (10.0).

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Rangers' duo Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi have returned to training and will be assessed. Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.

Celtic defender Auston Trusty begins a three-match ban. Celtic are missing Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring).

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Rangers have set their sights on Huddersfield Town midfielder Cameron Ashia, with the 20-year-old out of contract in the summer. (Football Insider), external

Rangers forward Kyle Glasgow, who has played at youth level for Portugal and Scotland, has signed his first professional contract with the club amid strong interest from England. (The Herald - subscription required), external

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Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was "surprised" by Celtic's approach after taking an early lead in Stuttgart on Thursday night and says it will be "interesting" to see who Martin O'Neill starts in goal for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

O'Neill made eight changes - including back-up keeper Viljami Sinisalo in place of Kasper Schmeichel - for Thursday night's Europa League play-off second leg in Germany after Celtic were beaten 4-1 at Parkhead.

One of the stand-ins, Luke McCowan, fired Celtic in front after 30 seconds with what proved to be the only goal of the game as Celtic bowed out 4-2 on aggregate.

"I think when you see the line-up from yesterday, the starting line-up, then I expect some changes," Rohl said.

"It's normal, they try to use the full squad.

"I was a little bit surprised after 1-0 that they're not trying to win this game, 2-0, 3-0, to have a chance. They keep the result until the end."

Denmark international Schmeichel, 39, has come under fire from Celtic fans for sub-par performances and was even booed in last week's first leg at Parkhead.

Sinisalo kept a clean sheet in Stuttgart and made six saves as Celtic won on German soil for the first time.

"But yeah, it will be interesting as well, the goalkeeper position, what he will do now, let's see," added Rohl.

"But we are prepared, we're focused on ourselves, we also have some interesting decisions to make.

"I know if everyone is available, it's also not easy for me in some positions, because there are more than two or three players who are ready for this game.

"It's a good situation. I like this, my players showed that they are ready, I think this is crucial and let's see what it means on Sunday."

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Former Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell has been appointed as the English FA's elite coach developer.

It's the 52-year-old's first job since he was sacked by Rangers in November after just six months at the club.

Thelwell will work under former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth to support the progression of homegrown coaches in both the men's and women's games.

"I'm delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time," Thelwell said.

"And to get the chance to help take coaching excellence in this country to the next level. I know there is a real desire at St George's Park to step up the support for homegrown coaches at all levels and to give them the tools they need to complement their day-to-day roles.

"Succession planning and elite coach development will be an essential part of my remit, and it is vital that we also work with the talented coaches within our own pathway.

"I hope to build on my strong relationships across the game, and work with clubs and all our key partners for everyone's benefit."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has been speaking with the media before the derby visit of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Here are the key points:

• On Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan's claim following their win over Stuttgart that "no team in that league touches us" if they are on form, Rohl says: "I think at the moment we are in the second position. They are behind us. I think they have at the moment seven or eight defeats. I think in general it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side. We have to focus on ourselves. We want to win this game. I see my team is ready to take points and then we will see on Sunday."

• Rohl is relishing his first Old Firm fixture in charge at Ibrox having seen his side come from a goal down to win 3-1 at Celtic Park in January in what proved Wilfried Nancy's last match in charge.

• He says: "For me that was one of the biggest moments so far. When you are a manager and you have the chance to play at home this kind of games, then you are also on fire. We are on fire. I feel the belief. We are ready."

• Rangers remain unbeaten domestically this year under Rohl, who insists no matter the outcome, neither team will be out of the title race: "It's a crucial game, but no team will be out after this game because there are still 27 points you can take."

• He concedes this could be the biggest game of his managerial career given the stakes: "It's a crucial one because when you come closer and closer to the end of the season then you know every game is important."

• The German pointed to Rangers' ability to come from behind in big games having done so at Celtic Park and in the recent win at home to leaders Hearts when they twice levelled before winning 4-2.

• Rohl adds: "I think do it with a hot heart and a smart mind. If we do this then we have a big chance, we have a clear idea of what we want to do. We have also some different solutions, how we can hurt them. You have to believe. I think this game is not about the legs, it's about the mind, the brain, how ready you are in these moments and if you do this, then let's see."

• Rohl says he is interested to see what Celtic do with the goalkeeping position after Viljami Sinisalo impressed against Stuttgart in Kasper Schmeichel's absence.

• On the idea of looking to retain on loan Tottenham winger Mikey Moore next season, Moore says: "I think he made a fantastic development since I'm here. He showed his quality. He's still a young player. He took a lot of good experience now in this year. I'm happy with him. And of course, let's see what we can do. I think this is the following week's topic."

• Dujon Sterling and Ryan Naderi are both training with a decision to be made if they are to be in the squad.

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The latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show has dropped on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer.

Rooney takes us on a trip through his most memorable European away nights, explaining what Rangers' and Celtic's grounds mean to him, and shares his surreal encounter with Diego Maradona.

Listen to Friday's episode here

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Youssef Chermiti has produced his best performances this season on major occasions - and they don't much bigger than Sunday's Old Firm derby.

The striker has prompted plenty of criticism and fan frustration as he toils to live up to a hefty price tag, mustering just seven goals in 30 appearances.

But six of those have come against title rivals Hearts and Celtic, providing tantalising glimpses of what he is capable of.

Chermiti scored in injury time at Tynecastle in December when Rangers lost 2-1 to Hearts then netted a brilliant hat-trick as Danny Rohl's side twice came from behind to beat the Gorgie side 4-2 at Ibrox earlier this month.

The 21-year-old Portuguese hadn't joined Rangers in time for the opening league meeting with Celtic - the 0-0 Ibrox draw in August - but emerged as the matchwinner at Celtic Park in early January.

Rangers were fortunate to only be one down at half-time as Celtic - who were then helmed by Wilfied Nancy - spurned countless chances. Yet Chermiti soon changed the game, netting two in nine minutes to put Rangers ahead before the hour on their way to a 3-1 win.

Not only has he stepped up with goals in these games, he has also been sharper in attack.

Against Hearts this season Chermiti has managed eight shots (the most he has taken against any opponent) compared to just one against the likes of Dundee and Kilmarnock.

He has scored four big chances against Hearts and is averaging a goal every 39.5 minutes against the league leaders. Against Celtic he scored both of his big chances.

Contrast that with last weekend's frustrating draw with rock-bottom Livingston, where Chermiti attempted four shots and put only one target in a frustrating 90 minutes.

Consistency has eluded him but if Chermiti can continue his run of goals in big games he could be the key to a Rangers derby win on Sunday.

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

As Sunday's mouthwatering Old Firm derby approaches, part of me is still wondering how much Rangers will end up ruing the dropped points at Livingston at the weekend.

With the greatest of respect to Livi, who were excellent to be fair, no team with designs on the league title should be failing to win against the bottom side.

Rangers have done brilliantly under Danny Rohl to haul themselves back into contention at the top of the table, but three consecutive away draws have damaged their ambitions of overtaking Hearts and the room for error is becoming increasingly minute.

Which brings us to Sunday's game. Defeat for either side is not an option and could be fatal to their respective hopes of reeling Hearts in with so few games remaining.

Despite a less-than-clinical performance against Livingston, Rangers probably come into the game as favourites. Their form since Rohl's arrival has been better than the champions, who of course have to play Stuttgart on Thursday night.

From Rangers' perspective only a win will do, particularly as they will have to go to both Celtic Park and Tynecastle after the split, so they need to make home advantage count on Sunday.

Andreas Skov Olsen was withdrawn at half-time at Almondvale and Rohl desperately needs his statement January signing to start producing the goods more regularly.

I suspect he will start the Dane and it will be interesting to see if he starts Ryan Naderi up front along with Youssef Chermiti, a move that worked well against Hearts.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Rohl name the same team that played against Hearts minus the injured Dujon Sterling as he looks for a massive victory on a huge day in the title race.

Hearts are considering a move for Rangers centre-back Leon King, with the 22-year-old currently on loan at Ayr United before his Ibrox contract expires in the summer. (Record subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

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Barry Ferguson has praised Rangers head coach Danny Rohl, saying he would never have believed the German could have steered the team back into the title race this season.

Former Ibrox captain Ferguson, who worked as interim boss at Rangers in the second half of last season, admits it wasn't pleasant watching from afar as Russell Martin's tenure ended in disaster but he has admired how Rohl has turned things around.

"I never enjoyed the start of the season," he told BBC Scotland. "Since Danny Rohl has come in in October, I think he's really drove the team forward .

"If you had asked me back in October, if Rangers would be in a title fight, I would have looked at you in a strange way. I'm really positive about what's happened in the last four months and I'm looking forward to the business end of the season starting.

"I'm very impressed with how he carries himself and how he comes across in his press conferences.

"I also like what he's doing on the field. He's very flexible in terms of formations. I like the business he did in January in the transfer window too.

"Am I impressed? 100%. I admire what he's done because this club needs silverware and he's got us to a stage where we are really in the mix now."

Ferguson also thinks the Rangers support are playing their part in the revival, and can help the team in the crucial league run-in and Scottish Cup push.

"They are always so important," he said. "I was at the Hearts game and the place was electric, the best I have heard in a long time.

"I think the fans understand where the team are at the moment because four months ago I think we were sitting second bottom of the league.

"The fans will always get behind the team if they give 100% and I think the energy they bring certainly helps the boys that are on the pitch."

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Former Hearts boss Robbie Neilson believes his old side's goal threat gives them the upper hand in the title race, while football analyst and Rangers John Walker says Rangers could be confident about the title with Claudio Braga in their ranks.

The most competitive fight for the Premiership trophy in years was debated on the Scottish Football Podcast and firepower was the focus, with both guests agreeing it will be decisive.

"Lawrence Shankland is out and Claudio Braga has scored but if you look at Rangers' top two goalscorers this season it's Youssef Chermiti and James Tavernier both on seven goals," Neilson said. "At Celtic it's Benjamin Nygren on 14.

"Hearts have got Shankland on 11 who has missed a lot of games, Braga is on 11, Craig Halkett and Stuart Findlay have five. They've got goals right throughout the team and they're not relying on one player. Potentially two, three years ago, before they had this really strong squad, if Shankland went out, that was the title challenge gone because they didn't have goals.

"They've got a great squad now that they can do that. Whereas if you look at Celtic, Nygren comes out of the team who's scoring the goals? Or if he has a bad day? Who's scoring the goals? Hearts have got that in the background."

Walker believes switching one player from the leaders over to Ibrox would make Rangers title favourites.

"If Rangers had Braga to call on and put in the starting XI, I would be confident about the title," he said.

"Hearts have got the best two forwards in the league. Rangers and Celtic are looking at teams with their centre forwards and saying things like 'He held the ball up well today. His link-up play was good,' and then you see Braga go to Ibrox and almost every touch he does is perfect, technically sound and he has pace."

"If Hearts have a four-point buffer going into the split with Shankland, Findlay and Braga all fit, and Devlin coming back. Hearts don't slip up as far as I'm concerned.

"I think if they've got everyone fit and can keep them fit for five [post-split] games, Hearts will win the league."

Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson believes the current squad should relish taking on Celtic in Sunday's Old Firm derby - but admits he is nervous about the game (Daily Record), external.

Queen's Park have accepted an offer for Harris Afzal from Southampton despite interest from Celtic and Rangers (Daily Record)., external

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

Sunday was about backing up a big result against Hearts with a win against a team you should be beating in Livingston, but unfortunately, Rangers contrived to make things as hard as possible for themselves once again.

Two things can be true at the same time: Rangers should not be going two down against the league's bottom side.

However, asking the referee and VAR to get big calls correct shouldn't be completely discarded either.

In my opinion, Mikey Moore was clearly denied a goal-scoring opportunity when the game was on the line, but nothing was given.

Back to the game, we found Livi goalkeeper Jerome Prior in fine form, and our defence leaking like a sieve. Lewis Smith's goal to make it 2-0 was so poor defensively.

When that went in I had flashbacks to the 3-2 defeat by Ross County under Philippe Clement.

Thankfully, this time we managed to take a point. But I do feel that Danny Rohl overthought things. He changed his shape again, and we were far too slow and ponderous for 80 minutes.

The main positive is that we are one more point clear Celtic. I haven't been caught up in the talk of a title challenge simply because there will be more points dropped by all teams involved.

However, I have the feeling that whoever loses Sunday's derby at Ibrox are teetering on the brink of being out of any apparent race.

It's a 10-game season now, starting on Sunday and we have bring a similar performance to the win against Hearts to make sure the season doesn't get away from us.

Rangers are keen to extend Mikey Moore's stay at Ibrox and the 18-year-old winger is enthusiastic too, but while Tottenham Hotspur are open to another loan, they would want him in their squad should they be relegated to the Championship. (TeamTalk), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd is confident the Ibrox side "will get over the line" in a tight Scottish Premiership title race.

Rangers trail leaders Hearts by four points, and are two ahead of rivals Celtic, who have played a game fewer than the top two.

After the second leg of their Europa League tie at Stuttgart on Thursday, Celtic face a portentous league and Scottish Cup double at Ibrox, either side of an away assignment at Aberdeen.

For Boyd, these two derby matches will give a strong indication of who will take the Premiership crown.

"I still think Rangers will get over the line," he said.

"Don't get me wrong, I think they've made hard work of it, but when I look at both our two big Glasgow teams, I think they've been caught up with each other and forgot that Hearts are there.

"They're in a good position. I fully expect them to go and get three points off Aberdeen at the weekend as well, which will strengthen their case. They're in a good position but I still think Rangers will pip them."

As for the two upcoming matches against Celtic, Boyd favours his old side in both as he contemplates two huge fixtures which will define the season for both sides.

"Whoever loses the league game [on Sunday] - if there is a loser - for me will be out of [the title race] because Hearts should beat Aberdeen and that would strengthen their case and open their gap even further.

"After the cup game there could be nothing left to play for. It would be unimaginable that either Rangers or Celtic wouldn't deliver a trophy this season but there is a high possibility that could be the case.

"For me though, I think Rangers will still win the league and will have a really, really good chance in the Scottish Cup if they get past Celtic. I think Rangers will win both games."

While head coach Danny Rohl would get most of the credit if he brought Rangers from the ashes of Russell Martin's short-lived tenure to an unlikely triumph, Boyd feels the influence of chairman Andrew Cavenagh should not go unrecognised.

"There's no doubt that Rangers were all over the place at the start of the season," Boyd said.

"The chairman deserves enormous credit for realising that was an issue.

"It's not easy to go in there to remove the manager that you've backed in the summer.

"Danny Rohl deserves enormous credit for what he's done but it will all be forgotten about if Rangers don't land silverware."

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Emmanuel Fernandez says Rangers will "fight and fight and fight" to bring the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox this season.

Fernandez scored as Rangers came from two goals down to draw at bottom side Livingston on Sunday.

Danny Rohl's side now trail leaders Hearts by four points and are two ahead of Celtic in third, who have a game in hand.

Rangers have not won the title since the 2020-21 season, but Fernandez believes the character they have shown makes them well suited to handle the run-in.

"There's 30 points to play for and I feel like we've shown character to come back in many games this season," he said.

"And we showed character to come back to this stage where we are in the season, and we've got to fight and fight and fight, and keep hunting.

"I could feel the fire in the players' bellies in my team and I know there's a lot to come from us and we have just got to stick together and keep going.

"We were 2-0 down, we show good fight to come back.

"I know we'll be disappointed about this, but there's 10 games to go, and we have just got to keep fighting."

We asked for your thoughts after Mikey Moore's 88th-minute header rescued a draw for Rangers against Scottish Premiership strugglers Livingston.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Alan: One of the strangest decisions of the season at the end. It's a foul all day long, only question was inside or outside the box? Small margins cost titles, and this year it's tighter than ever.

Derek: It was proved again today, Chermiti is not the answer! Why couldn't we play with the same intensity that we finished the game with? Far too slow and poor goals to give away from a defensive point of view. No wins in the last three away games, that form doesn't win you leagues. Sorry lads, just not good enough.

Elaine: Not our best but how many times are we going to be on the wrong end of a ridiculous VAR decision. Fair play to the Livi goalkeeper though but his MOTM says it all. Our strikers need to step up if we are going to win the league.

Stewart: There was large parts of that game where the Rangers players looked like "if we turn up we'll win" which I felt was quite obvious. Livingston didn't play that well, we made them look like a top six team and that's not what makes teams title contenders. Too much emphasis on "was it a penatly" when we were poor and couldn't finish a fish supper for so much of the game. Lucky that Celtic lost or the atmosphere would have been much more toxic at the end.

John: Rangers threw the kitchen sink at Livingston but it was it was just one of those days unfortunately. On another day it could have been 2-5. Ref's decision not to award a foul/penalty and red card for the late challenge on Mikey Moore was an epic howler. Onwards & upwards. The upcoming Old Firm double header will be pivotal in deciding the honours for season 25/26. I can't wait!

Matthew: A frantic performance categorised by desperate attack and lacklustre defense. Rohl has worked wonders with this squad, but our defensive shape is still at sea every time we face set pieces and counter attacks. Some of these guys earn more every week than I do in a year - surely you can stay focused for a full 90 minutes of a football match. We seem incredulously shot shy, passing backwards or sideways waiting for an open goal or a tap in to present itself. We need another dimension in attack.