Celtic will be out for revenge as they host Rangers in the first Old Firm clash of the Scottish Premiership season.
The Gers powered to an impressive 3-0 victory over their rivals in the League Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox last weekend, a result that could give Derek McInnes lift off after a difficult start to life in Glasgow.
But with away fans banned from matches between the Old Firm teams in the Premiership and League Cup this season, it is Celtic and Martin O’Neill’s side who will have home advantage at Parkhead this afternoon.
A deflating defeat to Ferencvaros in the Europa League in midweek means Celtic have lost back-to-back matches under O’Neill, but they have won six games from six to start their Premiership title defence. Can Rangers eat into their early five-point advantage or can Celtic stretch their lead at the top?
Follow live updates from Celtic v Rangers in the Old Firm, below
LAST TIME OUT: Sublime Rangers lay down early Old Firm marker with League Cup hammering of Celtic
It was an unhappy day last weekend for Celtic as they were hammered 3-0 by their bitter rivals in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.
Skipper Dan Neil was the hero with two goals as Derek McInnes earned a first real statement win as Gers boss
Read a full report from the game
Why are away fans banned at the Celtic v Rangers Old Firm derby this afternoon?
Celtic and Rangers fans have been banned from attending away matches between the Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup this season, which includes this afternoon’s Premiership clash at Parkhead.
The “temporary arrangement” follows the disruption at the Scottish Cup quarter-final between the teams at Ibrox last season, which has led to behind-closed-doors punishments for both clubs in their next home fixture in that competition.
An independent review into the Scottish Cup match at Ibrox found that that “crushing” and “life-threatening violence” were narrowly avoided after Rangers fans stormed the pitch to confront Celtic supporters who had spilled onto the field in celebration.
Early Rangers team news
Rangers are missing captain Lawrence Shankland and the injured Youssef Chermiti.
Derek McInnes surprised Celtic last weekend by playing three at the back and packing the midfield – will he opt for a similar tactic this time or revert to a back four?
Possible Rangers XI: Pandur; Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice; Raskin, Neil; Naderi, Kim, Gassama; Kelsy
Early Celtic team news
Celtic are missing Yang Hyun-Jun while he is on international duty at the Asian Games, while Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Jota are out injured.
Martin O’Neill faces a goalkeeping dilemma after Sam Johnstone looked very shaky in last weekend’s Old Firm but Viljami Sinisalo has also been unconvincing for large parts of this campaign.
Possible Celtic XI: Sinisalo, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Scales; McGregor, Baur; Hassan, Nygren, Duran; Hogh
How to watch Celtic v Rangers
Celtic host Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday 20 September, with kick-off at 12pm BST.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 11am BST.
Celtic v Rangers
Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the latest Old Firm between Celtic and Rangers.
Gers hammered the Hoops 3-0 in the League Cup last week, so Martin O’Neill’s men will be desperate to bounce back and get revenge.
Stick with us for full live coverage
