In the first of two Old Firm instalments in the space of seven days, Rangers welcome Celtic to Ibrox at lunchtime on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Scottish League Cup.
Both of these rivals were in action in the Scottish Premiership in midweek, with both securing 1-0 victories.
Rangers looked set to be held to a goalless draw at home to St Mirren, but a sublime finish by Bojan Miovski in the 90th minute secured all three points for Derek McInnes’ side.
That’s now four consecutive victories in the Scottish Premiership for the Teddy Bears – and six in seven in all competitions – moving them up to second position in the table.
However, they remain five points behind leaders Celtic, as a goal from new signing Mike Baur at the beginning of the second half was enough to secure all three points at McDiarmid Park against promoted St Johnstone on Wednesday night.
That result maintained the Hoops’ 100% start to the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown, with the champions winning each of their opening six league outings.
Both sides eliminated Premiership opposition in the previous round, with Rangers thrashing St Mirren 5-1 at Ibrox, whilst the Hoops put four unanswered goals past Dundee United at Tannadice.
How the bookies view it: Bookies unable to split it
The bookies can't separate these sides, with both teams priced at 31/20 to win within 90 minutes and 10/11 To Qualify.
There could be some value in backing the draw, which pays 27/10 at bet365.
Head to head: Hoops success last term
The league meetings proved to be tight between these old rivals last season, with both teams securing a win apiece, whilst the other two finished in draws.
However, the Hoops knocked Rangers out of both competitions last season, beating them after extra time in the League Cup semi-finals at Hampden, before winning on penalties at Ibrox in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
Players to watch: Duran to continue his deadly start?
Camilo Duran has made an instant impact since joining from Qarabag in the summer, with the Colombian already scoring six times for the Hoops.
That includes one in the previous round against Dundee United, and he is 6/4 to score in his Old Firm debut on Sunday.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Predicted line-ups:
Rangers will once again be missing the injured Tuur Rommens, Daisuke Yokota, Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.
Celtic are still without the injured Alistair Johnston and Jota, whilst Mika Baur is a doubt.
Rangers: Pandur, Sterling, Fernandez, Makhanya, Penrice, Neil, Raskin, Kim, Gassama, Kelsy, Naderi
Celtic: Johnstone, Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Baur, Hassan, Nygren, Duran, Hogh
Anything else catch the eye?
Both clubs come into this clash in winning form, with Rangers winning each of their last four in the league and six of their past seven in all competitions, whilst Celtic have won all six games against Scottish opposition.
Therefore, this could be a tight cup tie, meaning I’m leaning towards the draw, which pays 27/10 at bet365.
Both cup ties between these two finished in draws inside 90 minutes, whilst all three of their meetings at Ibrox finished in stalemates – which only strengthens the case that we could see extra time and potentially penalties.
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