SlipsTips shares two selections ahead of the final Old Frim derby of the season between Celtic and Rangers on Sunday lunchtime.
Celtic vs Rangers (Sunday, 12:00)
Celtic welcome Old Firm rivals Rangers to Parkehead on Sunday afternoon knowing that a victory would all but secure the Scottish Premiership title.
The Bhoys have a six-point lead over the Light Blues and boast a far superior goal difference with just four games of the season remaining.
That means Sunday’s showdown is a must-win for Rangers if they are to retain their crown, while Celtic will be eyeing a chance of quickfire revenge after their Scottish Cup semi-final derby defeat on Easter Sunday.
Celtic are the bookmakers’ odds-on favourites to secure all three points on Sunday but I’m happy to highlight an alternative offering by dipping into Bet 365’s Bet Builder feature to combine Celtic double chance, over zero Celtic goals and over four Celtic corners at 4/5 (Bet 365).
Ange Postecoglou’s side have avoided defeat inside 90 minutes in each of their last three meetings with their fierce rivals, scoring at least once on each occasion.
What’s more, Celtic are the top scorers in the Scottish Premiership this season, slamming in 80 strikes across their 34 outings to date, which doesn’t bode well for a battle-weary Teddy Bears backline that have leaked at least one goal in 12 of their 17 top-flight road trips this term.
As such, I'm more than happy to back Celtic to both score and to avoid defeat on Sunday, but to boost the price, I’ll also back the hosts to hit over four corners.
Postecoglou’s attacked-minded outfit, who will be roared on by a partisan crowd, are averaging a whopping 9.47 corners per-game in the Scottish Premiership this season, a figure that increases to a lofty 10.44 when operating at Celtic Park.
It’s also worth pointing out that the high-energy Hoops have covered the 5+ flag kick line in 28 of their last 30 top-flight fixtures, delivering five or more corners in all but four of their 34 league outings to date.
With all this in mind, as well as the fact that the same combination has clicked in two of the last three Old Firm derbies, supporting the same wager on Sunday looks worth taking on at 4/5 (Bet 365).
With all things considered, the 9/10 available with Betfair for Celtic to score two or more goals on Sunday also looks like an attractive betting proposition.
Overall, the Bhoys have bagged at least a brace in 24 (71%) of their 34 Scottish League Two fixtures this term – including their last two league meetings with Rangers – yet the odds imply a 52.6% chance of the same selection copping at Celtic Park on Sunday.
Recommended Bets
- Celtic Double Chance, Over 0 Celtic Goals & Over 4 Celtic Corners – 4/5 (Bet 365)
- Over 1.5 Celtic Goals – 9/10 (Betfair)
Freelance Sports Writer and Betting Analyst with over five years experience. I’ve written football and darts betting content for some of the biggest betting websites and newspapers in the UK. With a strong passion for the fascinating world of Scottish football, I also regularly feature in Nutmeg, the much-loved Scottish football magazine. Falkirk season ticket holder and avid watcher of football and darts, whether it be UK-based or further afield. Feel free to follow me on X @SlipsTips
Unfortunately, these look like two solid bets 👎🏼
Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve been on. Been busy with work, studying and life in general. Can’t wait for the Celtic and Rangers game tomorrow. In the semi final I had £50 on Greg Taylor first goalscorer at 100/1. I know crazy right? The £5k profit softened the blow of my beloved Celtic getting knocked out the cup. Anyway here are my bets for tomorrow.
CELTIC VS RANGERS
For the first goalscorer market I’m going for Carl Starfelt. He’s well overdue his first goal for Celtic. I’ve chased him all season and it’s unbelievable that he’s yet to score for Celtic despite going up for all the corners. He’s been asked a few times recently about scoring a goal for Celtic. He said he’s not bothered as it’s his job to defend but it absolutely must be on his mind to get a goal. I’ll back him for tomorrow and I’ll back him against Hearts. I was able to back him First Goalscorer at 66/1 and anytime goalscorer at 28/1. Those prices have disappeared online however you can still get 66/1 for first and 25/1 anytime in the William Hill shops as he’s still that price on the football coupon. I put the bet on for my brother in the shop after the price was cut online so the shop price remains.
Another bet I like the look of is Callum McGregor to score anytime from outside the box at 66/1. He likes to have a dig from outside the box and has scored a few, including against Rangers. The 66/1 is too good to pass up.
Finally looking at players to be booked. The prices aren’t great so I was looking at the red card markets. There’s definitely a sending off due in this fixture and I’ve picked a player who represents decent value. There’s a good chance this will be Allan McGregor’s last game for Rangers against Celtic. McGregor could get frustrated and could easily pick up two yellow cards. Likewise all it takes is for him to bring down the last player or kick out at someone and get a straight red. The price for Allan McGregor to get sent off is 11/1 with William Hill and Skybet but a massive 80/1 with Bet365. Sometimes the referees in these games like to balance the game out so how about the 30/1 on offer for a sending off for each team?
Recommended bets
CARL STARFELT FIRST GOALSCORER @ 66/1 (Hills)
CARL STARFELT ANYTIME SCORER @ 25/1 (Hills)
CALLUM MCGREGOR TO SCORE ANYTIME FROM OUTSIDE THE BOX @ 66/1 (Skybet)
ALLAN MCGREGOR RED CARD @ 80/1 (Bet365)
BOTH TEAMS RED CARD @ 30/1 (Paddy Power)
Good luck everyone