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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Herald Scotland Online

Celtic or Rangers - our writers predict Scottish title race

The Premiership is very nearly back.

It's time for the goals, excitement and drama of Scottish football to return.

Today, we focus on the top six having yesterday delivered our predictions for who will be relegated.

Who will win the league and who will finish third? Here, our writers give their tips...

Matthew Lindsay

Who will win the league?

It is, despite the squad rebuild that Michael Beale has overseen at Rangers during the summer, hard to see Celtic being deposed as Scottish champions. They have added to an already strong squad with some interesting signings. New manager Brendan Rodgers is vastly experienced and has a real point to prove. I would not be surprised if he makes an acquisition or two before the transfer window closes either. The title race should, though, be far closer than last time around.

Who will win the battle for third?

Barry Robson did a sensational job as Aberdeen manager after replacing Jim Goodwin at Pittodrie in January. How will he fare after getting a full pre-season under his belt and making some of his own signings? I can see the north-east outfit finishing as the best of the rest once again come next May.

Is anyone outside of the big two capable of winning a cup?

I will be surprised if a club other than Celtic or Rangers lift the League Cup or Scottish Cup.

Chris Jack

League?

Michael Beale couldn’t have asked for better backing from the Ibrox board and must now repay the investment. Beale looks to have addressed the key failings from middle to front and Rangers are well equipped to challenge. It will be tight, but the title could go back to Ibrox.

Third?

Aberdeen put together a hugely impressive run under Barry Robson last term to finish best of the rest and should continue that momentum into the new campaign. Losing the quality and experience of Ross McCrorie is a blow but the Dons look to have strengthened well. With questions over Hearts and Hibs, the Reds are the favourites for third spot.

Cup?

You can never say never, but you have to say it is unlikely. The gap between the Old Firm and the rest of the league was considerable last term and Rangers and Celtic could pull even further ahead this time out. Anything can happen in a cup game but the Old Firm should sweep the board.

Liam Bryce

League?

The return of Brendan Rodgers makes it difficult to see past Celtic securing a third consecutive title. With an elite coach at the helm, they have the quality and the know-how to see off a Rangers side still in transition.

Third?

Aberdeen certainly look best-placed. They have spent money to back Barry Robson and have a genuine matchwinner in Duk. The challenge, though, will be how they cope with the rigours of balancing domestic responsibilities with European group stage football.

Cup?

Yes. Financial disparity makes the league more of a two-horse race than ever but teams have shown they can get one-off results against Celtic and Rangers. If St Mirren can add a goal threat to an impeccably drilled unit, they could be a threat.

James Cairney

League?

Celtic. Ange Postecoglou’s departure had the potential to disrupt the champions’ summer but the appointment of Brendan Rodgers is a shrewd one, and it shouldn’t take long for the players to adapt to the new manager’s style of play. With a squad full of quality options, led by an excellent manager, it’s difficult to see the wheels coming flying off. I think Rangers have strengthened this summer and will close the gap, but I think Celtic are too far ahead of their Glasgow rivals at present.

Third?

Hearts. It’s a big season ahead for Hearts’ unusual management structure but there were enough positives to draw from Steven Naismith’s interim spell at the end of last season to suggest the capital club can claim the crown of best of the rest. Add in an encouraging summer transfer window so far - albeit one that has been something of a slow burner - and Hearts fans have good reason to feel confident heading into the new campaign.

Cup?

No. The gap between the Old Firm and the rest is as big as it’s ever been, and I just can’t see anyone beating Scotland’s big two to silverware this season. Off-days from Celtic and Rangers do happen every now and then, but rarely on the big stage in cup finals.

Aidan Smith

League?

Celtic. Brendan Rodgers has inherited a strong squad for his second stint at Parkhead and this team is used to winning week in week out. Yes, the last season’s treble winners have lost Ange Postecoglou and winger Jota, but the majority of the Hoops squad is still intact. They were a winning machine last term and I expect that to continue, especially with Rodgers now in charge.

Third?

Aberdeen. Barry Robson had the Dons flying when he took over as manager last season, and the Pittodrie club look to have strengthened well this summer. They will face stiff competition from Edinburgh for third spot, but with signings like Slovenian Ester Sokler and Leighton Clarkson, Robson’s side look to have the extra firepower that could be the difference. 

Cup?

There is always a chance in the cup, but with Celtic and Rangers both looking so strong it would certainly come as a shock. If you are putting money on the cups, stick with the big two as your bets. 

David Irvine 

League?

Celtic. Celtic are just too dominant in Scottish football currently to be overlooked for the league crown. It'd be a huge ask to complete another treble but I don't see them ending the season without at least the league and a cup to add to the Parkhead trophy display.

Third?

Aberdeen. Barry Robson seems to have really got things going at Aberdeen and with Alan Burrows in place as chief executive recruitment looks to have been impressive in the off-season. With Hibs and Hearts braced for turbulent seasons, the Dons could steal a march for best of the rest.

Cup?

Yes. Clubs are certainly capable of winning a cup outside of Celtic and Rangers; doing it, however, will prove a huge challenge. 

Ewan Paton

League?

Celtic. As much as I expect Rangers to give a much better account of themselves this season, I can't see Brendan Rodgers losing a league title in Scotland. Rangers have strengthened, but Celtic were by far and away the best team in the country only a few months ago. I don't think that's changed.

Third?

Aberdeen. Barry Robson carried out an excellent job in the final few months of last term to earn third spot for the Dons. Victory after victory saw the former midfielder get his first permanent job in management. It will of course be tougher to balance European group-stage football this time around. But they have strengthened, and I think they could be best of the rest by quite some margin.

Cup?

Why not? There seems to be this notion that the gap between Celtic & Rangers and the rest is greater than ever before. While I can understand that viewpoint, it's not something I subscribe to. The Old Firm have been lightyears ahead of every other Scottish team for decades. It's nothing new. Nobody thought St Johnstone would win the double in 2021. No one thought Ross County would win their first major honour in 2016 and certainly no one predicted Kilmarnock to defeat Celtic in the 2012 League Cup final. Celtic & Rangers will be favourites, of course, but it doesn't change the nature of cup football.

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