Scottish Premiership title race: Celtic or Rangers in the driving seat?
A look at the battle for Scotland’s top spot, including who is favourite to win the Scottish Premiership,
the key fixtures ahead, the thoughts of Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton,
plus much more; watch Rangers vs Celtic on April 7 live on Sky Sports
Celtic had been in first place since the first weekend of the season,
but in mid-February, Rangers took the lead.
With only nine games remaining, Philippe Clement’s team leads its opponents by two points.
How the Rangers battled back into the title chase.
Few predicted a closely fought title race when Clement replaced Michael Beale at Rangers in October.
He inherited a side depleted of confidence, struggling in Europe and,
in many people’s eyes, out of the title chase.
Just before the turn of the year, the champions answered with a 2-1 victory against their Old Firm opponents,
putting Rodgers’ side eight points clear at the top heading into 2024.
However, Rangers still had two games in hand after the winter break,
and they won both, while Celtic dropped points at Aberdeen,
allowing Rangers to draw level at the top.
When the Hoops fell again, drawing at home to Kilmarnock,
Rangers took the lead for the first time this season, defeating St Johnstone 24 hours later.
However, if you need assurance that there will be plenty of twists and turns ahead,
look no farther than the first weekend in March.
Both clubs lost on the same weekend in the Premiership for the first time since 2018,
with Motherwell winning 2-1 at Ibrox, giving Celtic a chance to reclaim the top spot – only for Hearts to defeat Brendan Rodgers’ side 2-0 at Tynecastle Park.
Strap in; this title contest is going all the way!
Who is the favourite for the title?
If only football was so simple! In December, the answer was Celtic;
by February, Rangers had crept ahead, but now, with only nine games remaining, it is impossible to call.
Both clubs have four league games remaining before the split,
including another Old Firm meeting at Ibrox on April 7 – live on Sky Sports.
Since Clement took over at Ibrox, his team has taken nine more league points than their opponents.
Rangers have demonstrated that they will be in this title hunt to the finish, and their confidence is building.
The mantra from the blue side is ‘one game at a time,
‘ but fans are beginning to dream of adding to the trophy cabinet and putting an end to Celtic’s quest for three consecutive titles.
However, ignore Celtic at your peril.
They’ve demonstrated in the past that they can navigate turbulent seas and deliver results despite displeasure in the stands.
The champs’ lead may have disappeared, but other considerations,
in addition to form, come into play. The desire to win a title race,
playing in Glasgow’s goldfish bowl, and the inevitable squad troubles caused by injuries or punishment – all of this may change.
Celtic have won the league 11 times in the last 12 seasons,
as well as the manager himself, have won back-to-back league titles during his first tenure in Glasgow, including an invincible treble.
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