Celtic have already lost to Rangers in the League Cup before suffering a Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros. That sequence gives the champions a clear target: halt the momentum shift and deliver a response in the fixture that carries the greatest domestic pressure.
The league setting also raises the stakes. A cup defeat can be corrected only in the next competition, but an Old Firm league result immediately affects the title race and the mood around both clubs.
Reports suggest Rangers could make it six consecutive wins after a difficult opening period under Derek McInnes. The recent run has changed the tone around Ibrox and gives the visitors a chance to turn cup success into a broader league statement.
The key question is whether Rangers can maintain the intensity that earned their previous victory, particularly when Celtic are likely to control more possession and face the responsibility of setting the tempo.
The confirmed line-ups should provide the clearest tactical clues. Celtic’s selection will show whether they prioritise control and creativity, while Rangers’ choices will reveal how aggressively they intend to press and attack transitions.
Live updates will also track late team news, predictions and the viewing options for supporters unable to attend. In a fixture where one selection can alter the balance, the line-up announcement is part of the story rather than a pre-match formality.
The result will define the next chapter, but the aftermath may matter just as much. Celtic must show how they respond to recent setbacks, while Rangers will look to carry their momentum into the next league and European commitments.