Traditional Firm Derby Set for Fiery Clash as Hearts Lead Title Race
Glasgow, Scotland – March 1, 2026 – Sunday’s Scottish Premiership clash between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium is shaping up to be a tense affair, with both sides desperate for a win as they chase league leaders Hearts. Hearts currently top the table, four points ahead of Rangers and six ahead of Celtic.
Paddy Power’s top tipster, Andy Robson, is predicting a card-filled match and has set together a 22/1 Bet Builder featuring Liam Scales and Youssef Chermiti both being shown a card, alongside a Celtic corner match bet. Robson highlights referee John Beaton’s tendency to issue cards in Old Firm derbies, and both Scales and Chermiti’s recent disciplinary records. He also points to Celtic’s strong corner record this season, particularly under manager Martin O’Neill.
The match kicks off at 12:00pm and will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Football.
Old Firm Clash Set to Deliver Cards and Corners as Hearts Lead the Way
Sunday’s Scottish Premiership encounter between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium promises a fiery battle, with both Glasgow giants desperate for a win to close the gap on surprise league leaders Hearts.
Rangers and Celtic Chase Hearts in Tight Title Race
Rangers currently trail Hearts by four points, while Celtic are a further two points behind, intensifying the pressure on both teams to secure a victory.
Expert Picks Highlight Potential for Cards and Corners
Top tipster Andy Robson has identified key opportunities in the card and corner markets, offering a 22/1 Bet Builder with Paddy Power.
Liam Scales Targeted for a Yellow Card
Given John Beaton’s history of issuing cards in Old Firm derbies, with 20 cards shown in his last two assignments, the card market is attracting attention.
Celtic defender Liam Scales represents excellent value, having collected more yellow cards than any other Celtic player except Callum McGregor this season, with both cautioned seven times.
Scales has achieved this tally in fewer minutes, posting 0.3 cards per 90 compared to McGregor’s 0.27, yet McGregor is available at significantly shorter odds.
He has been booked three times in 10 league appearances against Rangers, and the intensity of this particular encounter is expected to increase the likelihood of a caution.
A fascinating individual battle is brewing with Youssef Chermiti at Ibrox, potentially escalating tensions.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the referee’s tendencies. John Beaton’s history suggests a willingness to brandish cards, making the card market a potentially lucrative area for bettors.
Chermiti’s Disciplinary Record Points to Card Potential
Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti likewise stands out in the card market, having collected four yellow cards in his last seven appearances, including bookings in his last two outings.
Players with a high foul count often attract the attention of referees, and Chermiti leads Rangers’ foul charts with 2.28 fouls per 90 minutes.
Making his first Ibrox Old Firm start, he is expected to be involved in physical confrontations with the Celtic centre-backs.
Celtic Expected to Dominate Corner Count
Celtic have established themselves as the dominant force in Premiership corner counts this season, and despite being outgunned 8-1 on their last visit to Ibrox, a reversal of fortunes is anticipated.
Martin O’Neill will likely demand his players move the ball forward with urgency, consistently yielding healthy corner totals against other opponents.
In the seven Premiership matches since O’Neill’s return, Celtic have never lost the corner count, winning six times and drawing with Hearts despite playing with 10 men.
Even in the reverse fixture where Rangers won 3-1 at Celtic Park, the Hoops still managed to edge the corner count 8-5.
Did you know? Celtic have consistently outperformed opponents in corner counts under Martin O’Neill, suggesting a tactical emphasis on attacking play and creating opportunities from set pieces.
Bet Builder Offers Attractive Odds
A Bet Builder combining Liam Scales to be shown a card, Youssef Chermiti to be shown a card, and a Celtic corner match bet pays at approximately 22/1 with Paddy Power.
FAQ
Q: Who is the referee for the Rangers vs. Celtic match?
A: John Beaton.
Q: What is the current league position of Hearts?
A: Hearts are currently leading the Scottish Premiership.
Q: What is Paddy’s Super Sub offer?
A: Paddy’s Super Sub offer covers eligible bets on a player, transferring the bet to their replacement if they are substituted.
Q: Where can I find more football tips?
A: Andy’s Bet Club offers expert Football Tips for this weekend’s action.
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