The first Old Firm derby of the season is almost upon as Rangers travel to Celtic tomorrow for the fiercely anticipated Scottish Premiership clash.

Steven Gerrard’s team currently sit top of the table, but their city rivals are just one point behind with a game in hand.

The Hoops have been hit with a number of coronavirus blows ahead of the match leaving them without several key players. But will this have an effect?

Here our Herald and Times Sport writers have given their predictions. Do you agree?

Chris Jack

Celtic 1 Rangers 1

A draw wouldn’t be a bad result for Rangers and I think Gerrard would take that if he was offered it now. But he will be going there to win and lay down a marker and there is no reason why Rangers can’t follow up on their victory in the December game with another one on Saturday.

For all the talk about Celtic’s Covid issues, Neil Lennon still has a very good squad at his disposal and whatever side he selects will be more than up to the task. Rangers certainly won’t underestimate Celtic and this will be their biggest challenge of the season so far.

Graeme McGarry

Celtic 2 Rangers 1

This is one of the hardest Old Firm games to call in some time, with the absence of home advantage perhaps a factor that will work against Celtic.

With the personnel Celtic will be missing too, perhaps a draw wouldn't be the worst result in the world, but Neil Lennon will feel he still has enough in his team to edge a win.

Aidan Smith

Celtic 1 Rangers 2

Will be a tight affair, but I can see Rangers nicking a win on away soil. Probably the most evenly matched contest between the two in years, considering Celtic are without a number of key players.

The Covid absentees will definitely play a part, but whatever team Neil Lennon opts for the Hoops will still be strong. Rangers have defended well so far this campaign but you could argue that they haven’t really been tested yet. Can they stand up to the test of Odsonne Edouard, Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths when it really counts? I reckon so.

James Cairney

Celtic 1 Rangers 2

I think it’ll be a tight game but I reckon Rangers should edge it. Steven Gerrard has tended to have the edge over Neil Lennon on derby day and the Celtic boss will have a fair few significant absentees, which could prove crucial.

The champions have looked a little sluggish at times this season, particularly in attack, but it will be interesting to see how they get on against a side who won’t pack the defence. Celtic have often struggled to break down opponents who park the bus this season but Saturday’s game should be a lot more open, so don’t be surprised if the hosts’ attack gels better than it has in recent weeks.

Having said that, I still think Rangers have the greater attacking threat. They’ve been a lot more incisive than their rivals in the final third this season, have more varied build-up play and different ways to create chances, and Rangers’ best performances under Gerrard have arrived when they’re punching upwards. It’ll be tight, but I think the men from Ibrox will head home with the three points.

Mark Hendry

Celtic 2 Rangers 2

Celtic are without several key players who would start this game, which puts Rangers at a slight advantage heading into the first derby of the season.

Ryan Christie and Odsonne Edouard are both big misses and will force Neil Lennon to get creative, though he does still have top strikers he can use. Rangers, meanwhile, are without Joe Aribo but have coped so far this season with Ryan Kent in form.

A lack of home crowd may also favour the Light Blues but you can never count out the Hoops. Both teams' defences have looked shaky when pressurised and I reckon there are goals in this one.

Joshua Barrie

Celtic 0 Rangers 2

A result that I think will be aided by Celtic’s absentees. Ryan Christie’s omission is a huge blow, as Rangers have tended to outperform Celtic in the middle of the park in recent games between the two.

The news that Barisic will be fit is a huge boost for Gerrard, if Celtic do play three at the back, I’d especially fancy Tavernier to dominate Greg Taylor, and expect a tight battle between Barisic and Frimpong.