Who will win Celtic vs Rangers? Our writers make their predictions for title showdown as Sutton and Ferguson weigh in

Legendary Lisbon Lions boss Jock Stein famously said only a fool would try to predict the scoreline in an Old Firm clash - but what about the experts?

We've got TEN predictions for Saturday's blockbuster at Parkhead including the Record Sport writers as well as two men who know the fixture inside out - former Celtic strike hero Chris Sutton and legendary Rangers captain Barry Ferguson. And we've invited their fellow columnists from across the M8, ex Hearts man Ryan Stevenson and former Hibees star Tam McManus, to give their view on how the game between the top two in the Scottish Premiership will pan out.

There's so much at stake in this one with just three points separating the pair at the top of the table. A win for Celtic would all put wrap up a third consecutive league title while Rangers are looking for their first win of the season against their fierce rivals. In the era of teams playing each other four times a season, neither of the Old Firm have won the league title without beating the other at least once. So can Gers muster up that much-needed victory. Or could they make history by escaping with a draw and still going on to win the league title. Or will the Hoops justify their odds as favourites to record another win?

Chris Sutton

The previous encounter between the sides was a high-scoring affair and I’m expecting more of the same this time around. Celtic to edge a five-goal thriller.

Celtic 3 Rangers 2

Barry Ferguson

Rangers have to throw everything at this 90 minutes. This is the last chance saloon. I wouldn’t care if I played like I had two left boots on so long as we took all three points. Just keep the title alive at all costs.

Celtic 1 Rangers 2

Keith Jackson

If it’s as turbo charged as the last one then there’s no logical way of predicting the outcome. And, with even more at stake this time, it could be the last one on steroids. Commonsense says Celtic will make the most of home advantage but since when did that apply to this fixture? The important thing for the champions is that they avoid defeat. That’s why another draw feels like the most likely outcome.

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Craig Swan

Celtic have momentum and all of their key players back in the line-up. With home advantage added to that mix, Brendan Rodgers’ side could well prove too strong for Rangers.

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Scott Burns

Celtic have the advantage in the title race and I expect them to do enough to keep themselves out in front after this game. A can see it being another tight encounter but I can’t see Celtic losing it, especially with home advantage.

Rangers need to win but I am not sure if they are defensively strong enough. Callum McGregor v Todd Cantwell should be fascinating.

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Tam McManus

The only hope for Rangers is Celtic go down to 10 men. Brendan Rodgers’ side have too much quality in the final third to punish Rangers and with a full house on their side it could be convincing.

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Fraser Wilson

Everything points towards a Celtic victory but it won’t be comfortable, none of the meetings this season have been. Rangers have no option but to go for a win and that freedom of mind could see them pose the Hoops problems. But Celtic are hitting top gear at just the right time and will edge it to spark a Parkhead party.

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Gavin Berry

Nothing that Rangers have shown in derby games this season or even in any game in the last month suggests they have either the mentality or the quality to win at the home of their rivals who are now looking like they are finding their best form at just the right time. An away win would go down as one of the most unlikely results in this fixture for some time.

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Graeme Young

There was real gusto in the Rangers sides who decked Betis and drew away to Benfica but – even among their most ardent followers – genuine belief is low. But Celtic winning comfortably and all-but securing yet another title feels too comfy in a season where the ordinary has been anything but normal. Celtic won’t lose but Rangers will bare their teeth in enemy territory.

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Ryan Stevenson

The Hoops have all the threats while Rangers are out of sorts right now. I can see Kyogo and Matt O’Riley getting on the scoresheet to all but seal a third title in a row for Celtic.

Celtic 2 Rangers 0