Celtic vs Rangers Prediction: Back goals on Sunday at Hampden in League Cup semi-final

The Old Firm meet in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup at Hampden on Sunday from 14:00 BST. You can follow all the action live on Premier Sports 1 and make your Rangers vs Celtic predictions on the Betfred app.

Scottish football writer and betting expert Frank Monkhouse highlights the form of both clubs, walks you through the most interesting markets, and offers up his Rangers vs Celtic Predictions for the big match...

*You can check out all of the Football Odds and betting markets we offer over at betfred.com

Match Preview:

Danny Rohl’s busy start to life as Rangers manager continues on Sunday. The German has already taken charge of a disappointing 3-0 away defeat to Brann in the UEFA Europa League, before guiding the light blues to Premiership wins over Kilmarnock and Hibs.

Gers thrashed Killie 3-1 at Ibrox and ground out a crucial 1-0 at Easter Road on Wednesday. Three wins on the bounce would go some way to getting the fans back onside.

Celtic make the short trip from Parkhead to the national stadium without a permanent manager. Brendan Rodgers shocked Scottish football when he exited his post following a heavy defeat at Tynecastle.

He left the Hoops trailing Hearts by eight points after back-to-back defeats. Former title-winning boss Martin O’Neill answered the SOS and will sit in the hotseat until the board have found Rodgers’ replacement.

Match Odds:

In their final two league games under previous boss Russell Martin, Rangers drew with both Falkirk and Dundee United, scoring three goals and conceding three, including two against the Terrors at Ibrox.

Since Rohl was appointed, they’ve played two and won two, scoring four goals and conceding one. If they continue to improve defensively, Rangers fans will believe they can win this trophy and clamber back into the title race. They’re 18/5 on Sunday.

Celtic’s future looks unclear. One thing’s for sure, O’Neill won’t be around for long. The 73-year-old returned to Parkhead in style when leading the Hoops to an eye-catching 4-0 win over Falkirk on Wednesday.

Booking a place in the final of the League Cup would help steady the ship for the next manager, ensuring Martin left the Hoops team in a better place than it was when he arrived. A Celtic win is 7/10 favourite, with the draw trading at 16/5.

You can bet on this match via our Rangers vs Celtic Odds page on the main betfred.com website, with all the latest prices and full betting markets.

Both Teams to Score

Our first bet at Hampden on Sunday is for both teams to score. With this approach, the winning team and goal scorers aren’t important. As long as both Rangers and Celtic find the net at least once, you’ll land a profit.

The semi-final will be the second Old Firm Derby of the 2025/26 campaign after the neighbours played out a dull goalless draw at Ibrox at the end of August. Much has changed at both clubs since, and I’m confident we’ll see a few goals.

Rangers are improving across the board under Rohl, while O’Neill has Celtic believing again. Both managers and squads will enter confident that they have what it takes to secure a season-defining victory and progress to the first final of the term.

It’s worth knowing that a bet on both teams to score landed in two of the previous three meetings. It was also the smart approach in six of ten. Add BTTS to your weekend accumulators.

Double Chance (Rangers/Draw)

Our second bet at the home of Scottish football is Rangers or draw in the double chance market. When following this prediction, either a win for Rangers or a draw after 90 minutes results in a payout.

That gives us two potentials 'outs' in a three-way bet and that appeals in such a competitive derby, especially with a place in the cup final at stake.

Rangers looked more like a team when brushing past Kilmarnock and standing firm at Easter Road. Rohl has the squad hungry, working hard for each other, and playing good football.

They also have players returning from injury, while O’Neill is low on numbers at Celtic.

The League Cup holders have several out injured, including key figures in defence and attack. That will make a big difference, especially if Sunday’s derby is as competitive and fast-paced as expected.

Mystery Free Spins Offer:

What’s the only thing better than slots Free Spins? No deposit Free Spins, with no wagering requirements, that is what!

Opt in for the chance to win daily Free Spins prizes to play on our superb Casino Slots.

All you need to do is opt-in via the banner below, then open a Casino game every day for your chance to win up to 50 Free Spins. How many will you get? That’s the mystery!

Frank Monkhouse Scottish Football P/L

25/26 Season:

• Points Placed: 67
• Points Returned: 48.46
• P/L: -18.54

24/25 Season:

• Points Placed: 257
• Points Returned: 252.25
• P/L: -4.75

Frank Monkhouse covers Scottish Football for us here at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his work along with that of the rest of our Football Betting Tips desk on our main Football page...