They say that fortunes can change in the blink of an eye in football, and this adage couldn’t have been more aptly illustrated than by last week’s Scottish Premiership clash between the Ibrox club and Ross Couty – a match that could prove pivotal in this season’s title race.
This was followed on by their 0-0 draw at Dundee.
As the dust settles these games and their results, the outlook of the league has seen a significant shift, with Celtic emerging as the out-and-out favourites to clinch the coveted title (1/4 on most books), but there’s still plenty to keep punters interested.
Current Odds and Permutations
Following the Ibrox club’s slip, bookmakers worldwide have adjusted their odds significantly, propelling Celtic to the forefront as clear favourites for the title. With four points on their rivals, albeit having played a game more, the Bhoys find themselves in a commanding position heading into the final stretch of the campaign. Be sure to check out SportyTrader’s expert picks and advice for the remainder of the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership campaign, where you can access the football predictions freely and find value in what should be an incredible end to the season.
Here are the possible scenarios and permutations to consider:
If Celtic secure wins against Dundee and Hearts before the derby:
- Matchday 34: If the Ibrox club beat St Mirren, they remain 3 points behind. However, losing to St Mirren leaves them 6 points adrift, and a draw with St Mirren sees them 4 points behind.
- Matchday 35: Should they win against St Mirren, and Kilmarnock, they are still 3 points behind Celtic, making Celtic unable to be crowned champions on that matchday. But if they lose both games they would be 9 points behind. Not quite enough to make Celtic champions, but they would need a point from their next three games, including the one at Parkhead. A draw in one and a loss in the other would mean Celtic could clinch with a win in the Celtic Park fixture.
There’s still plenty of value left in these fixtures, and not to mention the possibility of a few big upsets en route to the Glasgow Derby.
Rangers’ Shock Setbacks
For Philippe Clement’s bunch, the trip up to the Highlands held the promise of bolstering their position at the top of the league standings. However, fate had other plans for them, as a stunning 3-2 loss at the hands of Ross County has left them reeling. They went into the Dundee game knowing they had blown a real opportunity; what followed was worse as they shipped another two points and allowed Celtic to enjoy a three point lead going into the split.
Significance of the SPFL Post-Split Dates
As the league rolls towards the final knockings, the post-season schedule is of critical importance, and the announcement of the fixtures earlier this week has set the stage for a riveting shootout between the Hoops and their rivals, with the Glasgow Debry now looming large as the potential title decider.
Scheduled for a lunchtime kickoff at Parkhead on matchday 36, the most important derby of the season will likely determine who will go on to lift the trophy. A jam-packed 60,000 will be expected to pack the stands in Glasgow as Brendan Rogers and co seek to win their third Cinch Premiership in a row.
C’mon the Hoops!
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