Celtic and Rangers do battle for the third time this season, as the two sides clash in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead on Saturday afternoon.
Both behind Hearts at the top of the Scottish Premiership, both Old Firm giants have found themselves embroiled in crisis during the first half of the 2025/26 campaign, with Celtic and Rangers both switching managers in the same season for the first time in history.
It was Celtic who emerged victorious last time the two sides met in the Premier Sports Cup back in November, as they ran out 3-1 winners at Hampden Park. However, after going unbeaten in their last four league games against their bitter rivals, Rangers have the slight upper hand when it comes to head-to-heads.
As is so often the case, when the two sides debate each other, the debate over which players are the best from each side is on the agenda.
Would John Souttar get into Celtic’s starting XI? Is Kasper Schmeichel a better goalkeeper than Jack Butland? Which Old Firm side has the best midfield? And what would a combined Celtic and Rangers XI look like if the two squads were fused?
Using popular football statistics website FotMob, we’ve put together the combined Celtic and Rangers starting XI, based each players’ 2025/26 average rating*
Do you agree with the picks?
*FotMob player ratings are calculated using an advanced algorithm that analyses hundreds of in-match statistics from data providers like Opta, assigning weighted values to positive (goals, assists, tackles, interceptions, chances created) and negative actions (fouls, errors, lost duels, penalties conceded), along with some other advanced metrics.
1. GK: Jack Butland - Rangers
One of Rangers' most consistent performers this season, Butland has kept seven clean sheets in 16 games, and saved all three penalties he's faced this season. Has a 77.5% save percentage, and a 7.20 rating. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. RB: James Tavernier - Rangers
The Rangers skipper has toyed between full-back and centre-back this season, and has landed an average rating of 7.38 while doing so. Statistically, Tavernier creates more chances than 99% of other full-backs in the league, and has seven goal contributions in 14 games. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. CB: Auston Trusty - Celtic
After an inconsistent first campaign at Celtic, the American then picked up a foot injury which curtailed his progress this season. He's one of the highest rated centre-backs in the league, though, with an average rating of 7.35. Has won 66.3% of his aerial duels this season, only been booked one, and made 12 blocks for his side. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
4. CB: Liam Scales - Celtic
A regular in the Celtic backline over the last couple of seasons, the Republic of Ireland international has an average rating of 7.34 during the 2025/26 season. Has a passing accuracy rate of 91.6%, and boasts an impressive 74 recoveries across the campaign thus far. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images