Celtic contested a Scottish Premiership match against Rangers at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on May 13, 2023. The fixture, a staple of the Scottish football calendar, was captured in images distributed by Reuters Connect, with photographer Ed Sykes documenting the action.
Reuters Connect provided an image showing Rangers forward Fashion Sakala in a duel with Celtic defender Carl Starfelt. The photograph, with the slug SOCCER-SCOTLAND-RFC-CEL and USN UP1EJ5D0X78A6, was filed under topics for Europe, Soccer, and Sport. It measures 3504 by 2220 pixels with a file size of 2MB.
What was the context of the 2023 derby?
The match occurred late in the 2022-23 league season. These fixtures carry significant weight in the title race and local bragging rights. The image from the agency freezes a specific moment of competition between two key players from the rival squads.
Carl Starfelt's involvement for Celtic against Fashion Sakala's Rangers attack typified the intense individual battles across the pitch. Every challenge and run in such a high-stakes environment can influence the final outcome. The photographic record serves as a snapshot of that competitive intensity.
How does the current Celtic squad compare?
The landscape has shifted considerably since that 2023 encounter. As of September 2026, Celtic sits first in the Premiership with a perfect record of four wins from four games. They have amassed 12 points and hold a two-point lead over second-place St Mirren.
Their form has been dominant, scoring 11 goals while conceding only two for a plus-nine goal difference. This strong start is reflected in their recent form string of four consecutive wins. Fans can track the team's progress in the current standings.
Who is unavailable for selection now?
The full squad is dealing with several absences. Defender Alistair Johnston is sidelined, alongside Callum Osmand. Attacker Jota is also out, as are Kasper Høgh and Kieran Tierney.
These injuries test the squad's depth as the season progresses. Managerial decisions on replacements and tactics will be key to maintaining their league position. The latest availability updates are always listed on the club's injuries page.
What is next for the team?
Celtic's next scheduled fixture is an away match against Aberdeen on December 19, 2026. Aberdeen currently occupies tenth place in the table. This match will be another test in the quest to maintain their early-season advantage.
Preparations for that match will continue amid the ongoing injury situation. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on the club's official fixtures list. The team travels to Pittodrie aiming for a fifth straight league victory.
