Neither side of the Old Firm got what they wanted on Boxing Day. Hoping for their rivals to drop points, the fans will have to cheer themselves up with leftovers with both sides picking up another victory in what should be a close-run race for the Scottish Premiership title.
Neil Lennon’s team were fairly comfortable in their 2-1 win over St. Mirren after first-half goals from Callum McGregor and James Forrest. The Buddies pulled one back through Cameron MacPherson, but in the 89th minute, it was too little, too late for the home side.
Over at Ibrox, Rangers needed a second-half goal from Alfredo Morelos – his 12th of the league season – to earn all three points against Kilmarnock.
Celtic to win and Both Teams to Score – 3/1
Steven Gerrard’s side are in good form, winning four from their last five and they haven’t been beaten since they lost 2-0 to their neighbours in September.
However, the Bhoys have won 11 league games in-a-row, with their 100% record starting back in October.
The away side will also have to deal with the fact they haven’t come away from Parkhead with three points since 2010, and we all know a lot has happened since Kenny Miller’s double silenced Celtic Park.
Celtic start favourites, but despite the impressive duo of Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer guarding the backline, expect Rangers to rule out a clean sheet. The Gers’ form will make sure the home side have to work for it.
Alfredo Morelos to score anytime – 8/5
Christmas is a time of giving and goodwill to all men, so we’re giving Alfredo Morelos one more chance in front of goal.
In 11 appearances against Celtic in all competitions, the Colombian striker has failed to score against the green half of Glasgow. Old Firm strikers are judged on how many they score in the biggest games and this is the stick in which the 23-year-old is consistently beaten with.
Benched after his suspension, his winning goal on Boxing Day should see him get the nod over Jermaine Defoe.
If Rangers are to have any chance of causing an upset and reducing the gap at the top of the table, they need Morelos to break the curse.
There to be a red card in the match – 12/5
Back to the season of goodwill and this fixture has a tendency to fire up the emotions on and off the pitch, with the festive match conjuring up a cauldron of noise and animosity.
In three of the last five meetings there has been a red card handed out. There are some things in life you can bank on, risqué tackles in the Old Firm is one of them.
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