Rangers

Rangers, founded in 2012, remain based at Ibrox Stadium and occupy the familiar role of domestic yardstick and irritant for Celtic supporters. Their modern honours record is already defined by the 2020/21 Premiership title and the 2021/22 Scottish Cup, within totals of four Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

Their squad is sizeable – 33 players, with an average age of 24 – and valued at around £114.5m by Transfermarkt. That gives them depth and expectation, even if expectation at Ibrox has never been known for its patience.

Six rounds into the 2026/27 Premiership season, Rangers sit second with 13 points. Recent league form has been strong, with four straight wins: 1-0 against St Mirren, 1-0 against Motherwell, 2-1 at Falkirk and 1-0 at Aberdeen, following a home defeat to Hibernian and a draw at Dundee United.

Their numbers point to a side built more on control than excess. At home they average one goal scored and 0.7 conceded per match, while away they average 1.3 scored and 0.7 conceded. They have also struck first inside 20 minutes in eight of 20 league matches, a useful habit in a league where many games are decided before they ever become open.

Lawrence Shankland leads their scoring with four goals, ahead of Ryan Naderi on three and Dan Neil on two. They have also competed in the League Cup semi-finals, the Europa League qualifying third round and the Conference League qualifying play-off round.

For Celtic, Rangers remain the principal domestic reference point: second in the Premiership, defensively tight, and close enough in the table to keep every dropped point under inspection.