Celtic will face Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals after a dominant 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice. The Hoops now prepare for a blockbuster Old Firm clash on the weekend of September 12/13, just days before their Premiership meeting at Parkhead.
What happened in the draw?
The quarter-final draw paired Glasgow’s big two in a mouthwatering tie, with Rangers hosting Celtic at Ibrox. The Gers secured their place with a 5-1 thrashing of St Mirren, while Celtic eased past Dundee United. The sides will meet twice in quick succession, with a league fixture at Parkhead on September 20.
Why it matters for Celtic
This draw sets up a high-stakes double header against Rangers, with Celtic looking to build on their strong start to the season. The Hoops have been in fine form, scoring 59 goals last season while conceding just 35, finishing third in the Premiership with 67 points. A win in this cup tie could give them momentum heading into the league clash.
What comes next?
Celtic will now focus on preparing for the Old Firm showdown, with manager Brendan Rodgers likely to rotate his squad. The Hoops are currently on a five-game winning streak, including a 3-1 victory over Heart of Midlothian in their last match. With Jota sidelined, Rodgers will need to find creative solutions to break down Rangers’ defense.
The Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals promise drama, with other ties including Stenhousemuir vs. Hearts and Ross County vs. Hibernian. For Celtic, the immediate focus is on Ibrox and a chance to make an early statement in the season.
