Celtic welcome Rangers to Parkhead on Saturday as Glasgow's big two go head to head in a game that is sure to have a huge say in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Ange Postecoglou's side are currently nine points clear at the top of the table and if they avoid defeat this weekend the title will be in the bag.

Michael Beale's Rangers on the other hand simply have to win to keep their slim hopes alive, but they will have to do so without the support of any away supports.

Fan safety and security issues led to the decision by the Glasgow giants to have home supporters only for the cinch Premiership match at Parkhead on Saturday and the post-split game at Ibrox at a date yet to be determined.

There will, however, be a 50/50 split of fans at Hampden Park for the Scottish Cup semi-final between the clubs on Sunday, April 30.

Here our Herald and Times sport writers give their predictions for Saturday's league showdown...

Matthew Lindsay - Celtic 2 Rangers 2

Celtic’s performances and results against Rangers this season, coupled with the fact there will be no away fans inside Parkhead, mean they are strong favourites to triumph tomorrow.

If Ange Postecoglou, who has never lost a domestic fixture at home, can get all of his best players on the park and ensure his charges perform at their brilliant best the cinch Premiership leaders should prevail again and take a huge stride towards retaining their Scottish title.

But Michael Beale’s men go into the encounter on the back of a 10 game winning run in the league. They will, after their Viaplay Cup defeat at the hands of their city rivals at Hampden in February, have a massive point to prove. A victory, too, will keep alive their slim hopes of lifting the top flight title.

January signings Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin will make a difference for the visitors. If they take their opportunities up front they have a chance of getting a draw.

Liam Bryce - Celtic 2 Rangers 0

Rangers have capitulated on their last two visits to the east end and although they should not be as defensively flimsy under Beale, the most likely outcome still feels like Celtic effectively putting the ribbons on a second consecutive title. They will want to mark their road to the finish line with a statement victory that sows seeds of doubt over the scale of Rangers’ improvement.

If the visitors can find a way to quieten Callum McGregor, then their odds will improve dramatically - the Celtic captain was afforded the freedom of Hampden to manage the Viaplay Cup final entirely on his own terms. The onus being on Rangers to get a result, however, should work in the hosts’ favour, and they will fancy their chances of picking their rivals off.

Aidan Smith - Celtic 2 Rangers 2

In all honesty, I believe that the title race is already dead and buried and the league trophy is on its way to Celtic once again.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are currently streaks ahead of their city rivals, but despite this, I don’t think Saturday’s game will be as easy as some expect.

Rangers simply have to try and shift the trend in Glasgow to gain a positive result to ultimately build some confidence heading into the key Scottish Cup semi-final, which takes place at the end of the month.

I expect Michael Beale to utilise the likes of Niko Raskin and Todd Cantwell from the start and don’t be surprised if Fashion Sakala is given the nod to lead the line as a lone striker.

A Gers starting XI shake-up could shock Celtic, but enough to clinch the all-important three points? I don’t think so.

David Irvine - Celtic 2 Rangers 1

Make no mistake, even with a packed Celtic Park with only home supporters this will be anything but easy for Ange Postecoglou's side.

The Celtic boss has been clear the league season won't be over through this result, but for Rangers a win is imperative if they are to restore any faint hope of a late title swing.

For that reason, Michael Beale's side will come out swinging at Parkhead. And on recent evidence that suggests a serious contest.

That said, Postecoglou has more in his arsenal on the big occasions, and as previously his substitutes could be used to devastating effect in the final derby before the league split.

It'd be of little surprise to see Rangers come flying out the traps and snatch an early lead, but as in recent seasons, I expect Celtic will have too much in the tank and take the win.

Kenneth Ward - Celtic 4 Rangers 0

The table doesn’t lie. Celtic are still nine points clear despite Michael Beale’s unbeaten league run since taking the reins in December.

The exclusive presence of 60,000 Celtic fans at Parkhead will be a vocal reminder not to let those standards slip.

Given the Scottish champions’ glut of goals already this season (95 in 30 matches), I wouldn’t put it past them closing in on the ton with a comprehensive victory.