Celtic under pressure in the SPFL

After the season 2019/2020 being cut short, the Scottish Premiership is on a full swing already. Glasgow Celtic was crowned the champions in the shortened season, making the title their ninth in a row. Hunt for the tenth could’ve started better, but it is refreshing to see a proper challenge put on by, who else, but local rivals Glasgow Rangers.

Celtic opened the season in the beginning of August right where they left off and hammered Hamilton 5-1 at home to kick-start the season. On the second round, however, they stumbled against Kilmarnock on the road and succumbed to a 1-1 draw, after a Celtic academy product Chris Burke tied it down with a penalty. While it is early in the season, dropping points can prove crucial, especially with Rangers in top form on top of the league.

Having played three games already, Rangers have shown some excellent performances in the Scottish Premiership to start the 2020/2021 campaign. While the first fixture on the road at Aberdeen was a close fought match, the visitors prevailed 0-1 with a hot prospect Ryan Kent opening the scoring for the new season. The more usual suspect was at it in the second game, at home against St. Mirren as Alfredo Morelos scored a double to gift Rangers a comfortable 3-0 win. The score-line remained the same in the third issue, as St. Johnstone went down and Ryan Kent scored his second of the season. In three games Rangers have now scored seven goals and conceded none.

Celtic had their game in hand against Aberdeen postponed from the weekend and their next Premiership fixture is on the 22^nd of August, a visit to Dundee Utd. It might be a while until we can assess the real challenge for the Celtic by Rangers, as the first “Old Firm” derby will be played midway through October at Celtic Park. Up until then it pays not to drop any points against the mid-table teams, as it does seem Rangers are contending for real, with their only target to usurp the Scottish throne.