The Old Firm clash marks the first of two meetings in a week, with both teams in strong form
Category: Sports
Rangers will host Celtic on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in a Scottish League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 12:00 BST (7:00 a.m. ET). This match marks the first Old Firm derby of the season and carries the weight of a place in the semi-finals at Hampden on the line.
This high-stakes encounter is not just another chapter in the storied rivalry between the two clubs; it also serves as a litmus test for both teams. Rangers, under the management of Derek McInnes, have recently found their footing, winning four consecutive matches across competitions, including a narrow stoppage-time victory against St Mirren. Celtic, managed by Martin O’Neill, remains unbeaten in their last six domestic matches, sitting comfortably at the top of the Premiership.
Rangers come into this match with considerable momentum but face a challenging situation due to injuries. Captain Lawrence Shankland is sidelined for up to four months following surgery for a hamstring tear. Youssef Chermiti is also long-term absent due to an ACL injury, and winger Daisuke Yokota is set to undergo groin surgery, leaving him out for an estimated two to three months. Additional injury concerns include left-back Tuur Rommens, who is recovering from a groin issue, and Kosta Nedeljkovic, who is also unavailable due to a foot injury.
In spite of these setbacks, Rangers have shown resilience, winning their last three matches with clean sheets in four of their last five games. The team will likely rely on Kevin Kelsy and Kim Min-Su to lead the attack, with Bojan Miovski and Vanja Dragojević available as substitutes. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin is expected to play a key role, supported by wide players Badredine Bouanani and Djeidi Gassama.
Celtic, meanwhile, is also grappling with injury issues, missing five first-team players: right-back Alistair Johnston (hamstring), Jota (still recovering from ACL surgery), Callum Osmand (ankle), Landon Emenalo, and Yang Hyun-jun, who is currently on duty for the Asian Games with South Korea. On a positive note, Camilo Durán is expected to return after being rested during midweek, and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is battling to retain his starting position against Viljami Sinisalo.
The Old Firm rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in football, with both clubs having won 172 of their 452 competitive meetings, highlighting the balance between them. The last major domestic cup encounter in March 2026 ended in a tense 0-0 draw after extra time, with Celtic prevailing 4-2 on penalties. This history adds an extra layer of drama to Sunday’s match, as both teams vie for a spot in the semi-finals and early bragging rights in the current season.
With no away fans permitted in the stadium due to previous clashes between supporters, the atmosphere at Ibrox is expected to be electric, with home supporters eager to rally behind their team. Rangers will need to capitalize on this home advantage to overcome Celtic’s strong form. The Scottish FA's decision to ban away fans from all Glasgow derbies this season adds a unique dynamic, as it shifts the pressure entirely onto the home side to perform.
The match will be broadcast live in the United Kingdom on Premier Sports 1, with pre-match coverage beginning at 11:00 a.m. Fans can also stream the game online via the Premier Sports Player app and website. In the United States, viewers can catch the action on CBS Sports Golazo and stream it through the subscription service, Paramout+. Australian fans can watch via beIN Sports, which offers a seven-day free trial for new customers.
As anticipation builds for this encounter, both teams are aware that the outcome could significantly impact their seasons. For Rangers, a victory would provide a much-needed morale boost after recent struggles in European competitions and solidify their position in the domestic league. Conversely, a win for Celtic would reinforce their dominance in Scottish football and keep their unbeaten streak alive.
As the match approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the teams will adapt to their respective challenges and whether Rangers can leverage their home crowd to secure a much-needed victory. The semi-final draw, which will take place immediately after the match, adds another layer of intrigue, as teams will be eyeing potential matchups that could shape the rest of the tournament.
In the lead-up to the match, McInnes has emphasized the importance of getting the Ibrox crowd onside, stating, "The fans can be our 12th man today." This sentiment resonates deeply within the Rangers community, as they look to turn Ibrox into a fortress against their fiercest rivals.
As both teams prepare for battle, the stage is set for what will likely be an unforgettable clash in this season's Scottish League Cup. With so much at stake, every moment will count as Rangers and Celtic collide in a match steeped in history, rivalry, and the quest for silverware.