Matt O'Riley and Reo Hatate both have a World Cup to aim at. If they show the form to get to Qatar, I’m sure it’ll help Celtic get over the line in a tight title race. The real stuff gets going this week and it’s back to square one for the champions.
Last season has gone and there is now an expectation around Ange Postecoglou and his team that wasn’t there 12 months ago. Last year, Celtic were underdogs going into the Premiership fight. This time they are the favourites and the defenders of the trophy. That’s a whole new type of challenge and pressure.
I expect they will be capable of handling it and I have them as slight favourites, even though Rangers, as last season, will be strong and tough challengers. Postecoglou’s team really kicked on after the winter break last season to get their hands on the main prize and the January arrivals of O’Riley and Hatate were a big part of that.
