Rangers vs. Celtic 2016: TV Channel, Prediction, Time For Old Firm Derby Match

For the first time in close to five years, Rangers will host Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on New Year’s Eve in a renewal of rivalries between Glasgow’s Old Firm. Rangers’ liquidation in 2012 and demotion to the bottom tier of the Scottish league system has done little to quell the hostilities between Scotland’s eternal foes.

“It’s Ibrox against Celtic, and it’s dealing with that,” Rangers manager Mark Warburton said at a news conference ahead of the game. “You want to give it to your supporters. The support we receive home and away is magnificent, so we want to win it for them, absolutely. We understand the significance and the importance and the emotions involved in this game, and there is no doubt it will be a pleasure to deliver the type of performance that delivers the three points.”

As Rangers have been forced to climb back up through the divisions, Celtic has made the most of its rival’s absence to dominate Scottish soccer. And despite Rangers’ return to the Premiership this season, Celtic has continued to reign supreme. Brendan Rodgers’ side will go into Saturday’s contest 16 points clear of second-place Rangers — and with the benefit of a game in hand.

When the sides faced off in their first league meeting in September, the game turned into a rout thanks to a hat-trick from young Celtic forward Moussa Dembele. But the last time Celtic visited Ibrox, it came out on the losing end in a 3-2 defeat in March 2012. Celtic midfielder Scott Brown found the back of the net from the penalty spot on that occasion, and, as the only current Celtic player to experience an Old Firm game at Ibrox, he was expecting a tough challenge on Saturday.

“It’s always going to be hard going to Ibrox, no matter how many points you’re clear or if you’re chasing,” he said this week. "It’s always a hard place to go, but we’ve got to go there and believe in our own ability and try to play our own game."

He added: “We’re a few points clear but we’ve just got to enjoy the occasion. It’s fantastic to be going back to Ibrox."

Prediction: Celtic goes into the game on a 14-match winning run in the Scottish Premiership and is clearly a superior side to Rangers at this point in time. However, Rangers has won its last five matches at Ibrox and has yet to lose there in the league this season. A stalemate could lie in store.

Predicted Score: Rangers 1-1 Celtic

Kickoff Time: 7:15 a.m. EST
TV Channel: Fox Sports 1
Live Stream: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer 2Go