Rangers vs Celtic predictions delivered by Herald & Times writers

Jonny McFarlane - Rangers 3 Celtic 2

Both sides go into the game in poor form, trying to bed in new players and systems. As a consequence of the tactical adjustments being made, and in Celtic's case injuries, neither defence has covered itself in glory so far this season and you wouldn't expect that to change at Ibrox. Goals are likely to be plentiful and while Rangers have the advantage of a totally partisan crowd, Celtic's pace on the counter-attack will likely cause problems. The one Rangers signing that has totally convinced so far is Jack Butland and the composed keeper could be the difference if he continues at the level he showed against PSV. 

Matthew Lindsay - Rangers 2 Celtic 1

The 5-1 mauling that Rangers suffered at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands on Wednesday night will have done nothing for the fragile confidence of James Tavernier and his team mates. Not having a specialist left back at his disposal, too, is hardly ideal for manager Michael Beale. Still, I can see the hosts, who will be roared on by every supporter in the 52,000-strong crowd, recording a morale-boosting win over their city rivals in the cinch Premiership encounter. The new arrivals to Parkhead this week should help Brendan Rodgers’ side perform better than they did against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock. But this difficult outing comes a little bit too soon for this new-look Celtic team for me.

Ewan Paton - Rangers 3 Celtic 3

I'm going for something rather outlandish for a change. Neither side has started the season well and both halves of the divide will fear defeat, that's how poorly they've been compared to their usual high standards of late. Both defences look shakey and incapable of keeping goalscoring chances to a minimum, with Rangers just off the back of conceding five to PSV and Celtic's absolutely ravaged by injury. A high scoring affair, but no winners. As you were.

Liam Bryce - Rangers 1 Celtic 1

It’s unusual for this occasion to arrive with both managers under some degree of pressure. It’s been a less-than-ideal start to the campaign for Beale and Rodgers, with Rangers taking a battering from PSV, Celtic tumbling out of the Viaplay Cup and both teams already spilling points in the Premiership title race. They would never admit it publicly, but might this be an afternoon both would be content to take a point from? When the whistle blows, of course, these great rivals will always play to win, and pretty much anything can happen thereafter. But if it were to conclude with a share of the spoils, neither would be overly disheartened.

Graeme McGarry - Rangers 2 Celtic 1

These matches are difficult to call at the best of times, but at this stage of the season, with both teams faltering and in transition, it's a nigh-on impossible task. Rangers have a host of new signings in attack that have failed to hit the heights so far, while Celtic will likely be throwing debutants in at the deep end and hoping that they swim. Home advantage could be the critical factor that just tips the scales in favour of Rangers, so for little reason other than that, I'll plump for a narrow win for the hosts. 

Chris Jack - Rangers 2 Celtic 1

It is unusual for both Old Firm managers to head into a derby at this stage of the season with as much pressure on their shoulders. Michael Beale and Brendan Rodgers desperately need a performance and a result at Ibrox. Rangers were abject in Eindhoven but the positives from the first leg against PSV have to be built on and there was enough in that fixture, and a comfortable win over Ross County, to give Beale encouragement for the Celtic showdown. Home advantage and a partisan crowd could prove crucial and the first goal should do as well. It will be tight but Rangers should just edge it on Sunday.

Aidan Smith - Rangers 1 Celtic 2

After a tough week in Europe, I fancy Celtic to head to Ibrox and take advantage of a wounded Rangers. Michael Beale's side were dismantled against PSV in midweek and they will be feeling the pressure heading back to their home for a key league fixture against their bitter rivals. Brendan Rodgers' side are hardly in great form themselves after recent slip-ups against Kilmarnock and St Johnstone, but I would expect the Parkhead outfit to bounce back with a performance when they travel across the city. Celtic have had all week to prepare for the contest and Rodgers is used to these demanding fixtures - he will have his side drilled and ready. It will be a tight contest in Govan, but I just fancy the current Scottish champions to take all three points.

Kenneth Ward - Rangers 2 Celtic 2

With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki still out injured, Celtic's defensive frailties will leave them vulnerable. And don't count on Brendan Rodgers to diverge from his usual attacking philosophy regardless. Rangers haven't exactly been airtight at the back of late either, so I expect a high-scoring share of the spoils.