These, however, are subplots it is Celtic’s league to lose. McInnes, unlike Gerrard, has course-and-distance experience of what it takes to win in Scotland. Last season’s haul of 82 points and closing margin to Aberdeen - nine points - represented a significant drop-off from the year before but that was perhaps inevitable.Īberdeen’s supporters will be adamant they should again offer the greatest challenge to Celtic, a point undermined by the loss of two key players Kenny McLean to Norwich and Ryan Christie on conclusion of his loan from Celtic.ĭerek McInnes, the Aberdeen manager, has to contradict the belief that they passed up their finest opportunities to land blows on Celtic and deliver tangible reward while Rangers were at a low ebb. Less so is Celtic’s lack of activity in the transfer market – strange for a club in such a dominant financial position but Rodgers, in his third season in charge, has indicated he finds it less easy to coax players to Scotland than he thought.Ĭeltic’s level of hunger in delivering consecutive domestic trebles has been worthy of praise. That the first Old Firm game, only four league fixtures in, takes place at Celtic Park – where Rangers will receive a mere 800 tickets – is clearly to Rodgers’ benefit. No one wants to be upstaged by a one-time pupil. The noise attached to Gerrard’s first managerial post may even provide subtle motivation to Rodgers. It seems reasonable to assume Gerrard will improve Rangers – albeit with a string of loan signings and from a pretty low starting point – but Celtic have developed a useful knack of cantering towards league wins while playing within themselves. All rights reserved.Brendan Rodgers retains by far the most capable squad in the league.

Hiberian v johnstone odds checker