The first Old Firm derby since April 2012 will take place on Sunday afternoon as Celtic and Rangers fight for a place in the Scottish League Cup final.

The fierce rivalry between the two sides has not been allowed to take centre stage for a number of years following Rangers' fall down the divisions due to financial dismay.

However, it's a different story this weekend, and such is the rivalry between the two sides, this fixture has overshadowed the other semi-final between Aberdeen and Dundee United, which would take the headlines in normal circumstances as they reside second and fourth respectively in the Scottish Premiership table.

Throw away the form books and this is a traditional highly-charged fixture between Celtic and Rangers, but in reality, Sunday's visitors sit a division below the Ronny Deila's side and have lost three of their last seven Championship fixtures.

Away from the pitch, Rangers continue to be dogged by their financial troubles and caretaker manager Kenny McDowall offered his resignation earlier this month following Ally McCoist's departure.

Recently, a hoard of supporters protested against suggestions that Ibrox Stadium could be used as security against any forthcoming loans, and while the club have ruled out using the ground in this manner, it was confirmed last week that they have accepted a £10m loan offer from Mike Ashley's Sports Direct.

The Gers sit second in the Scottish Championship table, 13 points behind leaders Hearts, while Celtic are leading the way in the top flight with a three-point advantage over Aberdeen.

Celtic have been in strong form in the league having lost just one and drawn one in between 12 victories since mid-October, and they secured comprehensive triumphs over Hearts and Partick Thistle on their way to the League Cup semi-final.

Rangers have played two games more than their rivals in the competition, and have scored seven goals across four games - two fewer than Celtic scored in their two contests so far.

With a place in the final up for grabs, the home side could start Stefan Johansen after he missed last weekend's match against Ross County with a head injury, while Aleksandar Tonev is available after serving a seven-match ban.

Kenny Miller and Jon Daly are likely to start up front for the visitors this weekend.

Celtic:

Form in Scottish League Cup: WW
Form in all competitions: LDWWWW

Possible starting lineup: Gordon; Matthews, Van Dijk, Denayer, Izaguirre; S. Brown, Biton; Commons, Johansen, Griffiths; Guidetti

Rangers:

Form in Scottish League Cup: WWWW
Form in all competitions: WLWLWW

Possible starting lineup: Simonsen; Foster, McGregor, McCulloch, Wallace; Templeton, Hutton, Nicholas Law, S. Smith; Miller, Daly

Sports Mole says: 2-0

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