Celtic and Rangers are set to clash in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday afternoon, marking the first major silverware opportunity of the 2024-25 season. This highly anticipated Old Firm derby will be a battle of form, confidence, and history.
Celtic have been unstoppable this season, going unbeaten in 30 domestic matches. Since a 2-0 loss to Hearts in March, Brendan Rodgers’ side has suffered just one defeat in 36 games, a heavy 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Domestically, though, they’ve been dominant, leading the Scottish Premiership by nine points. The Bhoys will also carry the confidence of being unbeaten in the last six Old Firm derbies.
Rangers, meanwhile, have recovered from a poor start to their season. Philippe Clement’s men have avoided defeat in their last nine games, including a strong performance against Tottenham. They’ll aim to defend their League Cup title and prove their revival is real.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Celtic vs. Rangers live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Scottish League Cup final in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Paramount+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is currently offering a 7-day FREE trial to new members.
What time does Celtic vs. Rangers kick off?
This Scottish League Cup final takes place at the Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland and kicks off on Sunday, December 15 at 3:30 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 9:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 8:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Dec. 15 | 7:30 a.m. |
Celtic vs. Rangers lineups, team news
Brendan Rodgers might be tempted to roll with the same squad that impressed in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb, but there’s a concern in defense. Right-back Alistair Johnson is a doubt after picking up a hip issue in Celtic’s goalless draw.
Upfront, Daizen Maeda’s stunning hat-trick in the 6-0 Aberdeen semifinal win should see him alongside Kyogo Furuhashi. The partnership looks promising.
Celtic predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Schmeichel (GK) — Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor — Bernardo, McGregor, Hatate — Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda.
Injured: Johnson (hip, doubt), Thiago Holm
Suspended: None
Rangers, meanwhile, will have some injury concerns. Winger Rabbi Matondo is almost back to full fitness but may only make the bench. Midfielder Tom Lawrence is still sidelined, and centre-back
John Souttar is a major worry after limping off against Spurs. His absence will be a big miss for Rangers in this crucial clash.
Rangers predicted lineup (4-1-4-1, right to left): Butland (GK) — Tavernier, Propper, Balogun, Jefte — Raskin — Cerny, Barron, Hagi, Igamane — Dessers.
Injured: Lawrence (leg), Kasanwirjo (knee), Matondo (hamstring), Oscar Cortes (muscle), Souttar (hamstring).
Suspended: None
Celtic vs. Rangers prediction
With Hampden set to be packed, both sides will be determined to claim the Premier Sports Cup and deliver an early Christmas gift to their supporters. Expect fireworks in this historic Old Firm clash!
However, on paper, it looks one way traffic. Rangers have only beaten Celtic once in last 13 meetings. So, the Bhoys should see this one through. But you can never for sure, write any one out when history and bragging rights are at stakes.
Prediction: Celtic 3-2 Rangers
