“No chance!” – Chris Sutton disagrees with Andy Walker and Kris Boyd over Celtic prediction for Rangers clash
The Scottish Premiership is heating up as the first Old Firm clash of the 2025/26 season looms large, with Rangers set to face Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday, August 31.
Sky Sports pundits Chris Sutton, Andy Walker, and Kris Boyd, all former players with deep ties to the rivalry, have shared their predictions for this blockbuster encounter, each bringing their unique perspective shaped by their storied careers.
With Celtic riding high after a dominant start to the campaign and Rangers looking to make a statement under Philippe Clement, the stage is set for a fiery showdown that could set the tone for the title race.
Chris Sutton, a Celtic legend who famously scored twice in a 6-2 thrashing of Rangers in 2000, is backing his former club to come out on top.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sutton predicted a 2-0 Celtic victory, emphasizing their attacking prowess and Brendan Rodgers’ stellar record in Old Firm matches.
“Celtic are in scintillating form, scoring five goals in each of their last three games,” Sutton noted, referencing their recent thrashings of St Johnstone and Dundee United.
He highlighted the pace of Daizen Maeda and the goal-scoring threat of Kyogo Furuhashi, suggesting Rangers’ defense will struggle to contain them.
However, Sutton acknowledged the improvements under Clement, cautioning that Celtic must be brave in midfield to counter Rangers’ physicality.
His confidence stems from Celtic’s 16-point lead last season and their ability to perform in big moments, though he admitted the absence of Kasper Schmeichel and Jota due to injuries could test their depth.
Andy Walker, another former Celtic striker, echoed Sutton’s optimism but was more reserved, predicting a narrow 1-0 win for the Hoops. Speaking to the Daily Record, Walker pointed to Celtic’s desire to avenge their back-to-back derby losses to Rangers earlier this year.
“Celtic will be stung by those defeats,” he said, noting Rodgers’ determination to reassert dominance.
Walker believes Celtic’s recent form, coupled with their strengthened squad, gives them the edge, but he warned that Rangers’ home advantage at Ibrox could make it a tight contest.
He singled out Callum McGregor as the key to controlling the midfield battle, predicting the captain’s experience will be pivotal.
Kris Boyd, a Rangers icon, offered a more cautious take, refusing to commit to a clear winner. On Sky Sports’ The Warm Up, Boyd predicted a 2-2 draw, suggesting both teams will go all-out to avoid defeat.
“Rangers will want to put on a show in front of their fans,” he said, acknowledging their inconsistent season but highlighting their ability to raise their game against Celtic, as evidenced by their two victories last term. Boyd believes Rangers’ attacking options, like Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny, could exploit Celtic’s injury-hit defense, but he admitted Celtic’s firepower makes them favorites.
Despite his loyalty to Rangers, Boyd’s prediction reflects their underdog status, with Clement’s side trailing Celtic in the standings.
This Old Firm clash promises goals and drama, with Celtic aiming to extend their dominance and Rangers fighting to restore pride. The pundits’ predictions reflect the unpredictability of this fixture, where form and history collide in spectacular fashion.