It’ has been a title race full of twists and turns and the last 72 hours have delivered even more drama.
Rangers looked out of the Scottish Premiership running back at the start of the season after Michael Beale had suffered a nightmare beginning to the campaign with the Ibrox losing three of their first seven games. That spelled the end of his tenure with Philippe Clement coming in and transforming the fortunes of the men from Govan. So much so, they got themselves into pole position when Brendan Rodgers’ troops went through their own spell of bad form.
However, the regression back to their early season form could not have come at a worse time for Gers as they now trail Celtic by three points. They would have had themselves earmarked to be two points clear at the summit this morning, but a shock loss at Ross County and a stalemate at Dens Park in their last two outings since a 3-3 draw with the Hoops has taken the destiny of the league out of their hands.
The Premiership now heads into the split with the Glasgow rivals facing five final matches this season. As things stand, it is advantage to the reigning champions in terms of both points and goal difference. They have a three point cushion are also five goals better off at than their rivals So let’s assume Celtic take care of Dundee and Hearts in their next two outings and Rangers pick up maximum points against St Mirren and Kilmarnock; that would take us into the huge Parkhead clash.
A win for the home side would give them a six point lead and better goal difference with just two games to play. Although it would be all but over – mathematically they would be unable to be crowned champions on derby day. It would mean a midweek clash at Rugby Park could see them get over the line with a game to spare.
Celtic fans would love nothing more than getting one over their rivals and secure the league by defeating Rangers – whether there’s away fans there to see it first hand or not. So how could such a scenario come into play? Well, if Rangers are to drop any further points before their trip to Parkhead and arrive trailing the Hoops by four points or more, then that would give Callum McGregor and co. the chance to officilly start the title party. They would have to win if the gap was at four or five points. Six, and a point would be enough.
The title WON’T be decided in the next two games with the maximum gap Celtic can open up being nine points. That would involve Rangers losing the next two games and if that was to happen, then again, the derby would present the earliest chance of the title. Avoiding defeat would be enough for Rodgers’ men in this scenario.
The fun and games begins now. There is 15 points to play for and you can bet there will be more drama between now and the finish.
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