Rangers vs Celtic

The Glasgow derby returns to Ibrox this Sunday, March 8, 2026, for a massive Scottish Cup quarter-final that feels like a season-defining moment for both clubs. This fixture comes exactly one week after these two played out a breathless 2-2 draw at the same venue in the Premiership—a game where Rangers surrendered a two-goal lead.

Statistically, the “Over 2.5 Goals” market is the most compelling angle for this clash. In five of Rangers’ last six matches, the total goal count has exceeded 2.5, highlighted by their recent 8-0 demolition of Queen’s Park and a 4-2 victory over Hearts.

Danny Röhl has turned Rangers into an offensive juggernaut at home, where they average nearly three goals per game, but their defensive record of five games without a clean sheet suggests Celtic will have plenty of opportunities.

Celtic, now under the guidance of the returning Martin O’Neill, are equally prolific. Seven of their last eight matches have seen more than 2.5 goals scored. Their midweek 2-1 win over Aberdeen showcased their persistence, but it also highlighted a defense that remains vulnerable on the break.

The historical head-to-head data is just as loud; 70% of the last ten Old Firm meetings have cleared the 2.5-goal line. With both teams averaging over 1.7 goals per match this season and boasting elite finishers like Youssef Chermiti and Daizen Maeda, the likelihood of a cagey 0-0 is statistically slim.

Tactically, this cup tie removes the safety net of league points, often leading to more expansive play in the final twenty minutes if the score is level. Rangers will likely start with their high-pressing 4-2-3-1, looking to use the pace of on-loan winger Mikey Moore and the creativity of Skov Olsen.

Celtic’s style remains possession-heavy, focusing on wing-play through Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn and overlapping runs from Kieran Tierney (if passed fit). Given that “Both Teams to Score” has landed in four of the last five derbies and the average goals per game in recent meetings sits at a healthy 3.0, backing a high-scoring affair at Ibrox is the most logical statistical play.