Rangers' second Premiership derby against Celtic this season has been moved to Sunday, January 3. The match at Ibrox will kick off at 12 noon and be broadcast live on Sky Sports, according to a report from www.google.com.
This fixture change arrives as Rangers sit 9th in the Premiership table, having taken just one point from their opening two games. Their recent form reads LD, with two goals scored and three conceded. The club trails leaders Celtic by five points early in the campaign.
When are the key festive fixtures?
The Scottish Premiership's festive TV schedule runs from December 26 to January 3. Rangers will face Kilmarnock at home on Boxing Day, December 26, in a 5:45pm kick-off shown on Premier Sports. Celtic travel to Dundee United on Wednesday, December 30, a 7:45pm game also on Premier Sports.
The Dundee derby between Dundee and Dundee United is set for Saturday, January 2 at Dens Park, live on Sky Sports at 12:30pm. The second Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibernian has been shifted from Boxing Day to Saturday, December 27, also a 12 noon Sky Sports broadcast. St Mirren host Aberdeen on Sunday, January 3 at 2:30pm on Premier Sports.
What does this mean for the Old Firm schedule?
The January 3 clash will be the third meeting between the Glasgow rivals this season. They are also scheduled to face each other in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals at Ibrox within a week in the next month. This creates a potentially decisive period in the early season narrative.
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill will bring his side to Ibrox. The match also marks a return to Celtic Park for Derek McInnes, the former Hearts manager. It was reported by www.google.com that it is unclear whether McInnes will be in the dugout or the stand for that occasion, which is his first back since a final day title decider in May.
How does the fixture change affect Rangers' season?
The rescheduling places a major fixture immediately after the New Year. Rangers' immediate focus, however, is on improving their current league position. Their next fixture is an away trip to face Aberdeen on August 30. Aberdeen currently sit 8th in the table, one place above Rangers. A positive result there is important for momentum.
You can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages. The condensed festive period, with its high-profile derbies, will be a significant test for the squad. Managing this schedule effectively will be key to closing the early gap to the top of the table.
