IS there such a thing as a meaningless Old Firm game? We're about to find out as Rangers host Celtic on Saturday in the sixth and final derby of the season.
At pretty much no stage has there looked like there would be a title race this season and Celtic eventually confirmed the inevitable win last weekend with a victory at ten-man Hearts with Rangers' win against Aberdeen counting for nothing.
But for Rangers and especially their manager Michael Bealie, this game is of more importance to them than Celtic for the simple reason that they have yet to really lay a glove on their rivals this season.
Infuriatingly for the Ibrox side, there's even a sense that Celtic have been nowhere near their best in the League Cup Final, league game at Parkhead and the Scottish Cup semi-final and Ange Postecoglou has guided them to a win in them all.
Beale wants wholesale changes to his Rangers team for next season, but he won't want to go into a new campaign with his Old Firm record the way it is and will be desperate to at least offer their fans hope.
But this Celtic team always seem to have that bit too much for them and it's unlikely perfectionist Postecoglou would allow his players to take their foot off the gas
How the bookies view it
Despite having no fans at Ibrox, Celtic are still favourites for this one at 7/5 with Coral.
Rangers will have their backers at 15/8 with Betfair and the draw is 13/5 with BetVictor.
Recent head to heads
As stated, Celtic have enjoyed by far the upper hand this season with four wins out of five, with the other a draw at Ibrox in January.
Players to watch
With Alfredo Morelos on his way out, Rangers need someone to step up here. Todd Cantwell netted against Aberdeen last week and seems to be at the centre of the Old Firm games so far. The former Norwich City midfielder is 18/5 to score with UniBet.
Kyogo Furuhashi's 30th goal of the season helped Celtic clinch the title last week and the Japanese talisman had scored five goals against Rangers already this season. He is 7/5 to score anytime with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Celtic are just relentless this season and they may have the measure of Rangers yet again here.
Although Rangers tend to match their opponents for most of the game, they always seem to have a defensive lapse in them. And they simply don't put away the chances that Celtic fo. The Hoops' clinical streak has made all the difference this season.
You've always got to be wary of what is effectively a dead rubber, but Celtic just look like they should have too much again and have better options off the bench too.
With nothing to lose and Celtic depleted in defence again, there should be goals in this. Go for both teams to score in the first half at a big price of 14/5 with Coral.
Finally, Todd Cantwell seems unable to control himself in Scottish football. He's been booked the last five games and each of his three Old Firm games so far. It will be interesting to see what price he is for a card on Sunday.
This Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic will be played on May 13, 2023 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Rangers vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
KYOGO TO SCORE
waiting on line ups as i believe Ange may rest players?