It's been a wait of four years, but the wait has been worthwhile. Sept. 10, 2016 is one more red-letter day in Scottish football as the Old Firm makes a return in the Scottish Premiership after four long years in the Scottish top flight. Celtic take on Rangers in the mouthwatering clash on Saturday at the Celtic Park.
The Scottish champions are aiming for the sixth consecutive Scottish Premiership title this time around and will be keen on continuing their winning momentum. As of now, Celtic lead the table with nine points from three games, whereas Rangers are second with eight points after four games.
Rangers clinched the promotion to the Scottish top flight after becoming the undisputed champions in the 2015-16 Scottish Championship -- the second tier of Scotland club football. The two sides last met in 2012, when Celtic won 3-0 at Parkhead.
Rangers were relegated to the fourth tier of Scottish football that very season as the club got into a financial mess and had no option but to get liquidated. Never back down remained the motto however, as they steadily rose up the ranks and finally got back up to the place where they deserved to be.
"It's a huge game, a big game, but one that we want to win, like every game at Celtic Park," said Celtic FC manager Brendan Rodgers. "More importantly, the way the team is playing, the energy and ambition of the team has given the supporters something to be proud of so far and the atmosphere will be incredible.
"Every derby is different. Having experienced derbies before there is a uniqueness to each one and this is iconic throughout the world. I am really looking forward to it," the former Liverpool coach added.
Team news
CELTIC: Striker Leigh Griffiths is doubtful to appear in the game after he suffered a hamstring injury. Defender Kieran Tierney is also on the sidelines. The rest of the team, however, including left-back Kieran Tierney, is fit to play.
RANGERS Apart from striker Joe Dodoo (ankle injury) and Matt Crooks, who recently had an ankle surgery, the rest of the team, including skipper Lee Wallace, Danny Wilson, Martyn Waghorn, Josh Windass and Philippe Senderos, look fit.
Starting XI
CELTIC: De Vries; Lustig, Toure, Sviatchenko, Tierney; Bitton, Brown, Forrest, Rogic; Sinclair, Dembele.
RANGERS: Foderingham; Tavernier, Senderos, Kernan, Wallace; Barton, Kranjcar, Windass, Garner; Miller, McKay.
