Celtic and Rangers are set to clash in the first Old Firm derby of 2026 this Saturday at Celtic Park at 7:30 a.m. ET (watch it on CBS Sports Network). This match is unique, as both teams are currently on their second manager of the season, and notably, it’s the first time in recent memory that neither team leads the league going into the new year.
How to watch Celtic vs. Rangers, odds
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 3
- Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Odds: Celtic -105; Draw +290; Rangers +290
Historically, the last non-Celtic or Rangers team to win the league in Scotland was under Sir Alex Ferguson with Aberdeen in 1985. Currently, it is Hearts who lead the league standings, with Celtic trailing by three points. Celtic has brought in Wilfried Nancy, appointed on December 4 from Columbus Crew, but he has faced difficulties in his transition, securing only one win from five matches.
Celtic already missed a chance at silverware after losing in the Scottish League Cup final, and the pressure is on Nancy to improve results, especially with fierce rivals Rangers looming in the schedule.
Quotes from Wilfried Nancy
“In context, I knew this kind of situation could happen. I need time. Give me time, and you will see my team. You are going to see what I am going to do because you can see already what I did before.”
(Translation: I am aware this type of challenge could occur. I require patience, and if granted, you will witness my strategies and improvements in the team.)
Nancy aims to replicate his past success with CF Montreal and Columbus Crew, yet he now faces the monumental task of managing a club under immense pressure in one of football’s greatest rivalries. The stakes are high, and his tenure may heavily depend on the outcome of this encounter.
