How The Next Week Could Change The SPL Title Race

Before the international break, Rangers held a 12 point lead over Celtic and Motherwell in the SPL.  Celtic had suffered a poor start to the season, and it took a 2-1 win at Fir Park on November 6th for them to move ahead of Motherwell, level on points but with a better goal difference. 

Rangers on the other hand, had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season.  Despite disappointing home draws against Hearts and St. Mirren, they had won all seven away games, and beat Celtic 4-2 at Ibrox in the first Old Firm game of the season.  Motherwell had also enjoyed a strong start to the season, going into the international break with nine wins from their first 14 games.

So after two rounds of international matches, the pressure was very much on Celtic to start a winning run and not allow Rangers to get further ahead.  And it was Celtic that began the weekend’s SPL games with a trip to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.  Celtic were after a bit of revenge, having lost to ICT after the SPL split last season, a result that effectively handed Rangers the SPL title.  A quiet first half had one major flashpoint, a ridiculous red card for Thistle’s Greg Tansey. 

In an aerial challenge with Georgios Samaras, he made slight contact on Samaras’ face with his hand.  Samaras went down holding his face, and to the surprise of everyone, referee Stevie O’Reilly produced a red card.  The most incredible thing about the decision was that the referee was standing behind Samaras and could not have seen how much contact there really was on the Greek striker.  In the second half, Celtic scored twice to ease to victory, closing the gap to Rangers to 9 points.

Later in the day, Rangers had the chance to restore their 12 point lead, as they faced St. Johnstone at Ibrox.  St. Johnstone had also enjoyed a good start to the season, having beaten Celtic in Glasgow, and finding themselves 4^th in the SPL.  But manager Derek McInnes left to join Bristol City in October, and his replacement, former Manchester City and West Ham midfielder Steve Lomas, was taking charge for the first time.  St. Johnstone produced a credible performance, frustrating Rangers and earning themselves a deserved point.

That result could trigger a significant change to the SPL standings.  Celtic now have two games before Rangers play again.  At the start of the season, Rangers and Celtic skipped SPL matches to take part in lucrative friendly matches.  That led to the postponement of Rangers vs. Kilmarnock, and Celtic vs. Dunfermline. 

After their early exit from both the Champions League and Europa League, Rangers were able to play their game September.  On Wednesday night, Celtic will play their outstanding fixture against a struggling Dunfermline at Celtic Park.  A win would reduce the gap to 7 points, and with Rangers facing Kilmarnock in a televised match on Sunday, the gap could be down to 4 points if Celtic beat St. Mirren at home next Saturday.

Two wins for Celtic would suddenly put Rangers back under a bit of pressure, with the second Old Firm match of the season getting ever closer.  Rangers have five games to play before the December 28^th clash at Celtic park, with three away from home.  Celtic meanwhile have six games including their game in hand, with four at home.  Rangers have won every away game in the league so far this season, with all their dropped points coming in home draws.  Celtic have dropped points home and away so far, but would still expect to win every game.

If Celtic beat Dunfermline and St. Mirren in the next week, all eyes will be on Rangers next Sunday, as they attempt to restore a 7 point lead at Rugby Park.  A draw or defeat would see the defending champions have their SPL lead cut by 8 points in eight days.  On the other hand, dropped points in either of the next two games would be a missed opportunity for Neil Lennon’s side.  It would also leave Ally McCoist knowing that a draw at Celtic Park in December’s Old Firm game could be a good result for his team.

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