Celtic vs Rangers: O’Neill reacts as McInnes aims to widen the gap

Celtic and Rangers meet this Sunday for the first league Old Firm of the season in the Scottish Premiership, with Sky Sports framing it as a test of two trajectories: whether Derek McInnes can complete a league-and-cup double after the League Cup win, or whether Martin O’Neill can reset the situation after a rough spell. The game comes seven days after Rangers sent a message with a dominant League Cup victory.

Europa adds pressure

Sky Sports points to the weight of results beyond domestic competition. Celtic first lost to Rangers 3-0 in the League Cup, then followed that up with a 3-1 defeat to Ferencvarosi TC in the Europa League. That run has reopened pressure on O’Neill after a league start that had initially helped keep things calmer.

Rangers chasing momentum

For Rangers, the key storyline is the turnaround under McInnes. According to Sky Sports, the Ibrox side has steadied after an early wobble and could move onto six straight wins if it carries the momentum into Parkhead.

Ticket situation in Parkhead

The preview also notes an off-pitch complication: only Celtic fans will be inside Parkhead, following an order by the authorities amid a ticket allocation dispute between the two Glasgow giants.

With Europa’s setback hanging over Celtic and Rangers’ streak momentum on the table, Sunday’s Old Firm looks set to be defined as much by recovery versus consistency as by tactics.