The first trophy of the 2024/25 Scottish football season will be decided this Sunday as Celtic take on Rangers at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup final.

Rangers are the defending champions, having beaten Aberdeen 1-0 in last year’s final, which remains manager Philippe Clement’s sole piece of silverware since taking charge at Ibrox. Meanwhile, Celtic aim to reclaim the trophy after their early exit from the competition last season.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side, fresh off winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup last season, have been in dominant form. Their only defeat this season came against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. They also won the first Old Firm clash of the season 3-0 at Parkhead and currently hold an 11-point lead over Rangers in the league, making them strong favourites for this final.

Team News

Celtic:
Right-back Alistair Johnston, who suffered a hip injury during the midweek draw with Dinamo Zagreb, remains a concern but is expected to start. However, midfielder Luke McCowan is cup-tied, leaving Rodgers with a decision over who partners Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in midfield. Paulo Bernardo is likely to start ahead of Arne Engels.

Rangers:
Central defender John Souttar is highly doubtful after a groin injury sustained during Thursday’s Europa League match against Tottenham. Leon Balogun is expected to replace him alongside Robin Propper in defence. Clement must also decide whether to start James Tavernier or Dujon Sterling at right-back and choose between Nedim Bajrami and Ianis Hagi for the No. 10 role. Striker Hamza Igamane is expected to overcome a minor calf issue. Longer-term absentees Neraysho Kasanwirjo, Tom Lawrence, and Rabbi Matondo remain sidelined.

Predicted Line-Ups

Celtic (4-3-3): Kasper Schmeichel; Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Greg Taylor; Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor; Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda.

Rangers (4-2-3-1): Jack Butland; James Tavernier, Leon Balogun, Robin Propper, Ridvan Yilmaz; Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande; Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami, Jefte; Hamza Igamane.

The match will be broadcast on Premier Sports.

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