Bhoys set for a hat-trick of Old Firm successes

Ladbrokes Premiership
Sky Sport 1 & 5, 12.15pm Saturday

Celtic could provide a Hogmanay hammering for Rangers as they aim for their third win against their Old Firm rivals this season.

Brendan Rodgers promised to rotate his squad in this busy month and he has been true to his word. But it doesn’t seem to matter who he plays or rests, his side have far too much for the rest of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

It’s hard to see Rangers troubling them at Ibrox. Celtic started the week close to evens, but it’s no surprise their price has collapsed.
Rangers will be up for it and it could be that Mark Warburton sees his side’s best chance of a win as by mixing it up.

But Celtic have more than enough in their side to deal with that. Their midfield, run by Stuart Armstrong and Scott Brown, have dominated teams this season.

Moussa Dembele has gone off the boil, but he terrifies Rangers and has four goals in two games against them.

Rangers’ biggest problem could be themselves and their fans. The home support are unlikely to be amused at Celtic dominating possession and will demand their players steam into them.

That would surely play into Celtic’s hands if the Gers lose their discipline and control.

Defensively, Rangers are rocky even when at full strength and they have problems dealing with pace. With Clint Hill and Lee Wallace doubts, Celtic will fancy their chances of unsettling them.

Up front, Warburton would be taking a huge risk if he starts Joe Garner. A striker who hasn’t scored for a team such as Rangers in nine games and has major disciplinary issues is not a good mix for an Old Firm game. Ref Steven McLean should be busy, but Celtic should win comfortably.

Recommendations
Celtic
2pts 3-4 general
Celtic-Celtic double result
1pt 9-5 Coral

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Match facts

Team news
Rangers
Rangers are sweating on the fitness of captain Lee Wallace and defender Clint Hill. Jordan Rossiter and Niko Kranjcar are out.

Celtic
Celtic are without left-back Kieran Tierney and Tom Rogic is also out.

Key stat
Celtic have won their last 14 games in the Ladbrokes Premiership