Rangers vs Celtic: Preview, Team News and Prediction

The first Old Firm derby of the season is almost upon us.

This time tomorrow, Rangers and Celtic will be embroiled in an almighty scrap to determine who will come out on top in the crucial Glasgow derby.

Very few, if any, derbies in the world can rival the Old Firm game for passion, intensity and fieriness. Outspoken midfielder El Hadji Diouf said of the match a few months ago: "What I feel about this game I have never felt in my life. On the pitch it is like a war, but beautiful. A good war.”

So without further ado, let's preview tomorrow's "war," look at the team news and make that all-important prediction. 

Match Preview

Celtic and Rangers come into Sunday's match under very different circumstances.

The Bhoys suffered a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid in Thursday's Europa League tie and could be hampered by jet lag, whilst the Gers had a free week due to their European exit and will feel fresh.

Domestically, Celtic soundly defeated Motherwell last Saturday, and Rangers also ground out a solid victory over Dundee United.

Rangers fans will be pleased to hear that the defence has not conceded a goal for five league matches in a row now, and that in the past four seasons, the Gers have always won the first Glasgow derby of the season.

With the game also being played at Ibrox, the omens don't look good for Neil Lennon's men.

Rangers Team News

Croatian hitman Nikica Jelavic has returned to fitness ahead of Sunday's game.

The Rangers' top marksman last season was injured on international duty 10 days ago.

Lee McCulloch, Sasa Papac and Alejandro Bedoya have also been passed fit for the Gers, but Davie Weir, Lee Wallace, Jamie Ness and Kyle Bartley remain on the sidelines.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist said: "The scrutiny on the players and coaches and management is always there. It's something you've got to handle, and it's something the players and coaches and management staff will hopefully handle.

"The scrutiny is only greater because of the enormity of the game, there is no doubt about that in my opinion.

"I want our team to go out and play well and win the game. Once that whistle goes, there is nothing the managers can do.

"Having played in a few and assisted in a few, you would hope that would help."

Celtic Team News

Scottish midfielder Scott Brown returns for selection after missing the Atletico Madrid match.

Anthony Stokes is also in contention for the Hoops.

Defenders Badr El Kaddouri and Daniel Majstorovic are available again after being ruled out of Thursday's game due to being cup-tied and suspended, respectively.

Celtic boss Neil Lennon had this to say: "You love Old Firm games when you win and hate them when you lose.

"I enjoy going to Ibrox, I always have done. It's a great venue to play football in, and there is always a decent surface.

"It isn't intimidating, but there is always an edge to the atmosphere, which is always good.

"I have been delighted with the way the team has performed at Ibrox since I took over as manager. I think they have played very well and were unlucky not to win the last one."

Prediction

On paper, Sunday's tie looks evenly balanced.

Rangers hold the home advantage and a superior league position, but Celtic's new signings are starting to gel, and last Saturday's 4-0 romp could be an indication of things to come.

This is also Ally McCoist's first Old Firm outing as manager of the famous Govan club, so a lot of pressure will rest on the shoulders of the rookie Scotsman come 12:30 p.m.

Personally, I think Celtic have too much firepower for their Glaswegian counterparts.

Last week's excellent attacking display showed everyone what the Bhoys are capable of, and I'm fearful that McCoist's men could get ripped to shreds.

However, with the superb Dorin Goian playing well, the Celts' frontline may have a hard time finding a way past the Romanian man mountain.

Colin Predicts: Rangers 0-2 Celtic

For all Old Firm chat, as well as general football banter, follow me on Twitter: @colinmurdo91