2020-2021 was built up to be one of the most anticipated seasons for years in the Scottish Premiership simply because of Celtic and their hunt for 10 in a row. They started the season off with an emphatic win against Hamilton while Rangers looked a bit average against an Aberdeen side that offered close to nothing without their main striker Crosgrove. Celtic fans would have been relishing the prospect of this being a complete formality this season as it was for the last 8 years.
Celtic then surrendered 2 points away to a highly resilient Kilmarnock on the second game of the season. Let’s fast forward to the Old Firm where both the teams were unbeaten from the previous 11 games in the league. Rangers had drawn against Hibs and Livingston while Celtic had drawn against Kilmarnock.
So with the game being played at Parkhead, Celtic went in as slight favourites, knowing that a win would give them a massive edge to go on a run while a defeat for Rangers would simply put a dent in their mentality. Rangers won the game 2-0 (it was strangely comfortable) which gave them an edge in the coming months while Celtic were on their way to a massive downfall, to say the least.
Players like Edouard, Brown, McGregor and Christie were the core group of players that could simply help grind out the results previously along with the added quality of Elyounoussi and Turnbull to the group. It simply didn’t happen for Celtic in the coming weeks and months though. Their play and style was non-existent as the club looked like they ran out of ideas.
This time we fast forward to the next Old Firm game in December 2020. Leading up to this game, it was made out to be the most anticipated game for years. Rangers could open up a massive gap, but if Celtic were to win, it would simply create confidence while putting all the pressure back on Gerrard’s men.
However, it wasn’t meant to be Celtic’s day as Allan McGregor rolled back the years and had an outstanding game. Rangers were victorious 1-0 in what would be a season-defining game. Season defining for what happened after that with Dubai and everything else.
Although the league isn’t mathematically over, it appears to be beyond Celtic to catch up. Here’s what I expect and predict will happen in the summer if Rangers go and clinch the league. This is my prediction for both clubs, Rangers and Celtic.
Celtic
I expect a full clear out. Players like Edouard and Christie will be gone by the end of the transfer window and potentially many more. In fact, I for one expect Ajer to also leave with some interest in the Premier League already being hinted at.
Then it’ll be a hunt for a new manager, but in all honesty with the club seemingly looking lost from board level, who could Celtic attract? I suspect they’ll look at Eddie Howe which is a similar model to the Brendan Rodgers one.
Yes, there is a few question marks over that appointment such as “Can he handle the pressure”?
If Celtic don’t land their main target and go after someone with the pedigree of Jack Ross, then looking from the outside, I feel like the worst is yet to happen at Celtic.
Rangers
I fully expect a busy window in the summer. Questions over Morelos, Kamara, Kent and even Barasic will be answered. Ross Wilson will have a very busy summer that’s for sure. Whether it’s replacements for these players (doubt it will be more than 1 at best though) mentioned or even bringing in players that will simply take Rangers to another level as there will be champions league money to spend.
One thing is for sure and it’s looking really good for Rangers at the current time. It’s now upto them not to squander this opportunity.
