Celtic vs. Rangers Betting Tips: Old Firm to turn red in Glasgow

It's the SPL fixture that football fans in and out of Scotland eagerly anticipate as Celtic Park hosts the first Old Firm derby of the new season, with the pair entering proceedings undefeated five games in.

Saturday lunchtime brings us our first Old Firm derby of the 22/23 season, as Celtic play host to Rangers live on Sky Sports.

Celtic come into this fixture following a flawless start to the season. They currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership 2 points clear of Rangers, having won all 5 league games to start the campaign. Prior to their 4-1 cup victory over Ross County in the week, Celtic secured their 5th league win of the season when they obliterated Dundee United in their own back yard 9-0. That’s now 21 league goals scored for the Hoops with only 1 against, they are definitely worthy even money favourites ahead of this fixture.

Rangers currently occupy 2nd spot in the Scottish Premiership, winning 4 of their first 5 with the other ending a draw. The Gers struck gold when qualifying for the Champions League, and have since recorded back-to-back victories to continue their impressive start to the season. Just like Celtic, they cruised into the last 8 of the League Cup following a 3-1 win over Queen of The South in midweek. This continues a run of 8 unbeaten for Rangers, a run which will certainly be tested vs an in-form Celtic side.

Red cards haven’t been as common as you would imagine in this fixture lately, however one man I believe can change that is referee Nick Walsh.

The Scottish referee is brutal when it comes to showing red cards. He gave 10 reds last season in just 41 games and has continued that into this season in some style. He’s took charge of 6 games in 22/23 across the Scottish Premier and the Europa Conference League and has brandished 5 red cards!

When you look at some more niche data regarding Mr Walsh, it bodes well for cards as well. Across the last 6 games where he has been in charge of Rangers matches, 50% of them have seen someone sent off, dating back to the start of last season. The last time he was in charge of this fixture, he sent Callum McGregor off after just 26 minutes!

5/2 is a fair enough price to get on board with this referee at the helm. Cards are expected and If Nick Walsh is on his A game, I think we could see someone sent off.

With the card prices so short there is not much value to be had, instead I’m opting for a 9/1 poke in the shot market using bet365’s bet builder.

In what could be a cagey game, shots from range could be a result of these two sides cancelling each other out. Despite both being centre midfielders, both these players rank top for shots per game for both of their respective sides. Lawrence averages 3.4 SPG with O'Riley 3.6. They have both cleared this line on a few occasions already this campaign, so hopefully they can manage it again for a 9/1 winner.

22/23:

Bets 8 wins 4

P+L = +4.07Pts

ROI = 46.55%