The iconic Old Firm derby returns as Rangers prepare to host Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Thursday.

Rangers showed resilience in their previous outing, clawing back from a two-goal deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Motherwell. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last three league games, leaving them 14 points adrift of Celtic at the summit of the table.

Celtic, meanwhile, continued their dominant run with an emphatic 4-0 victory over St Johnstone, solidifying their position as league leaders.

MORE: Celtic vs. Rangers final score: Scottish League Cup final 2024 result, highlights, stats as Bhoys win penalty shootout after gripping showdown

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

Rangers vs. Celtic live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Scottish Premiership match in UK:

• TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD
• Live stream: Sky GO, Sky Sports website, Sky Sports Now

This game is available for live TV broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Ultra HD, and Sky Sports Premier League. Streaming options are available on Sky Sports Now, Sky GO, and Sky Sports website.

If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)

What time does Rangers vs. Celtic kick off in UK?

This Scottish Premiership clash takes place at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland and kicks off on Thursday, January 2 at 3:00 p.m. local time.

Rangers vs. Celtic lineups, team news

Clement said there is “a small chance” that Leon Balogun could return depending on how the centre-back progresses in training.

However, club captain James Tavernier has been ruled out “for a few weeks” after sustaining an injury, and with both John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo also sidelined, Rangers’ options are looking thin.

Clement may decide to follow the same sort of blueprint he used in the cup final, which very nearly paid dividends.

Rangers predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Butland (GK) — Yilmaz, Sterling, Propper, Jefte — Diomande, Raskin — Cerny, Bajrami, Cortez — Igamane

Injured: Tavernier, Souttar, Kasanwirjo, Balogun (doubt)
Suspended: None

Celtic will be without long-term absentee Odin Thiago Holm and James Forrest, but Alistair Johnston has recovered from a hip-flexor injury and came through the win over St. Johnstone unscathed.

Daizen Maeda will probably come back into the starting lineup after his heroics in the cup final.

Celtic predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Schmeichel (GK) — Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Valle — Engels, Bernardo, Hatate — Kuhn, Maeda, Furuhashi

Injured: Thiago Holm, Forrest, 
Suspended: None

Rangers vs. Celtic Prediction 

Celtic have only lost one out of their last 14 clashes with Rangers which gives them an edge ahead of this clash.

Rangers have hit a slight rough patch in recent weeks which began with their loss to Celtic in the League Cup. The Celts should once again emerge winners considering their excellent form.

• Prediction: Rangers 1-3 Celtic

Scottish Premiership fixture schedule this week

All times GMT

Thursday, January 2

• Hearts vs. Motherwell (3:00 p.m.)
• Kilmarnock vs. St Mirren (3:00 p.m.)
• Rangers vs. Celtic (3:00 p.m.)
• St Johnstone vs. Hibernian (3:00 p.m.)
• Aberdeen vs. Ross County (3:00 p.m.)
• Dundee vs. Dundee United (5:30 p.m.)