YOU could put a sheet of paper between Celtic and Rangers right now – that's how evenly matched the rivals are.
Scott Brown's last-gasp winner against Hamilton on Wednesday edged the champions two points clear at the top as the Ibrox men dropped two points at Aberdeen.
That result may give Celtic a psychological edge but Steven Gerrard should be able to lift his men for tomorrow's Betfred Cup Final.
I've thought about this game long and hard and find it almost impossible to call. However, bookies reckon Celtic are twice as likely to win than Rangers so the value is with the underdogs.
Celtic are 6-5 at William Hill and BetVictor to win in 90 minutes while Sportingbet go 12-5 Rangers. On the outrights the men in blue are 11-8 at Betfred with the Hoops 4-6 at bet365.
Too close to call
I'm sitting firmly on the fence and backing the draw at 13-5 with Betway. Rangers draw no bet tempts at 29-20 with Unibet – my only concern with the holders is Odsonne Edouard's fitness although they've managed fine without their hitman.
To win after extra time both teams are 10-1 with Sky Bet and to win on penalties it's 12-1.
It's the game of the season and is set up to be a cracker – both sides have better forwards than defenders so should be goals despite a lack of them in recent meetings.
Our old friend Willie Collum is in charge so punters will be eyeing penalty and card markets.
Both to score pays 4-6 at McBookie and I like both to score and draw at 7-2. For a correct score what about 2-2 at 13-1 with BetVictor or 1-1 at 6-1 at McBookie.
Alfredo Morelos has been brilliant for Rangers – scoring goals and avoiding cards and this is another big test for the Colombian.
He hasn't scored against Celtic and last season was sent off after a clash with Brown.
Morelos is 11-10 with McBookie to net – as is Edouard – but if you don't fancy him consider the on-form Ryan Jack at 4-1.
In Edouard's absence, Christie has been scoring for fun and is 6-4 to net and 11-2 to strike first – and remember he takes penalties. A spot-kick to be awarded is 9-4 at bet365.
Christie was the last player to be sent off by Collum at Livingston on October 6 and a red card in the match pays 2-1 at Sky Bet.
Collum dished out six yellows when he refereed one Old Firm game last season and that's the mark set by bookies so there looks little value in over 6.5 at 11-10 with Sky Bet.
Our Experts Tips
I've canvassed the opinions of our football tipsters on the site for their view on the match and here's what they'll be tipping;
Mr Fixit
- 90 Minutes: Draw 13/5 (Bet365, Betfred)
- Correct Score: 2-2 13/1 (BetVictor)
- Best Bet: Christie to score 5/2 (Betway)
SlipsTips
- 90 Minutes: Draw 13/5 (Bet365, Betfred)
- Correct Score: 1-1 6/1 (BetVictor, Bet365)
- Best Bet: Both Teams to Score 7/10 (Bet365)
Desmond
- 90 Minutes: Celtic 11/8 (Betway)
- Correct Score: 3-1 17/1 (BetVictor)
- Best Bet: Both Teams to Score 7/10 (Bet365)
KevMac
- 90 Minutes: Draw 13/5 (Bet365, Betfred)
- Correct Score: 1-1 6/1 (BetVictor, Bet365)
- Best Bet: Morelos to score anytime 7/4 (Bet365)
Scott Allot
- 90 Minutes: Celtic 11/8 (Betway)
- Correct Score: 2-1 17/2 (BetVictor)
- Best Bet: Christie to score anytime 5/2 (Betway)
Let us know your cup final predictions in the comments section below.
Celtic win
Over 2.5 goals
Over 3 cards
Scott Brown fgs
Celtic 3-2
Both teams to score & ov 2.5 goals
Celtic 3-1. Mcgregor atgs.
Celtic 2-0
Rangers 1 – 0
1-1,O 3 Cards. Brown carded NAP.
A Rangers win 2-1
Morelos double
Celtic to win
3-1
Elyounoussi
My prediction has nothing to do with the outcome of the game. I tried finding stats to when Rangers last received a penalty against Celtic. Last one was in 2011 in a cup match so….
Rangers to score a penalty 7/1 bet365
Rangers to miss a penalty 18/1 bet365
Good luck and be safe out there.