According to the most recent information from the Met Office, Rangers and Celtic’s Old Firm matchup at Ibrox does not seem in danger of being postponed.
In several parts of the UK, adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and potentially hazardous winds [Met Office, 1 January], have been predicted for Wednesday [1 January] and Thursday [2 January].
Following the cancellation of several games in the UK during the New Year fixture schedule, the highly anticipated derby match at Ibrox on Thursday appears to be in very little danger.
Although the stadium’s subsurface heating system is expected to have little to no impact on the playing surface, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice.
In terms of the outcome of the game itself, sunny spells above Glasgow should cancel out the cold temperatures, which are unlikely to soar beyond two degrees Celsius by Thursday’s 3pm kickoff.
Following unrest during the recent Scottish League Cup final [December 15], steps will also be taken to police fans in the surrounding regions.
At Ibrox, Rangers cannot lose against Old Firm.
It makes sense that Rangers supporters would be nervous before the first game of 2025, a home Old Firm derby against a dominant Celtic team.
However, it’s a great opportunity to both exact revenge for the previous loss in the League Cup final and establish a reputation as a Scottish powerhouse capable of defeating the old foe at home.
After going two months without losing in the Premiership and passing Aberdeen to recover second place, Philippe Clement’s team had looked to be turning the corner until their recent slump over the holiday season.
But after the performances against Motherwell and St. Mirren to end 2024, supporters are now wailing for blood. In the latter game, Clement’s bold team choice raised many eyebrows; his halftime substitutes, Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane, effectively saved a draw at Fir Park.
The Old Firm is more frequent than many other world derbies, and the Gers have felt older since their last victory over Celtic. Regardless, they must win to escape the bitter fury of Ibrox.
