It was a night to remember for Celtic fans as a devastating first half saw them cruise to a 3-0 win over Rangers in the Old Firm Ferby and gain ascendancy in the race for the Scottish Premiership. Celtic Park was a cauldron of noise and colour, with the green and white of the stadium’s interior entwining with the red flair of pyro after Reo Hatate grabbed his brace. It is a result that makes the SPFL table an interesting reading, as either Glasgow side could take home the title come the end of the season.

That win for Celtic would have been a huge boost for their confidence, and while they have been playing catch up to their derby rivals, Ange Postecoglou’s men finally sit top of the tree at the time of writing and those betting on sports would find it hard to back against them based on their current form. However, Rangers have been a figure of consistency over the last couple of years and could well turn an admittedly small deficit around. Read on, as we assess both team’s chances of winning this season’s SPL.

Rangers

It’s been tough for Rangers since the departure of Steven Gerrard. Having won the league last year in such emphatic style, it was always going to be a harsh snap back to reality whenever results started to go against them. Giovanni van Bronckhorst was the man tasked with picking up the pieces and while a draw with Lyon ensured they would progress to the next round of the Europa League in a tough tie against Borussia Dortmund, domestically it’s been far from impressive.

Points dropped to Aberdeen were followed by humiliation in the Old Firm, something that infuriated van Bronckhorst at the full-time whistle.

“It seemed like it was the first Old Firm we played,” he said:“We know what it will bring, the Old Firm, and what you have to do – the environment you go in, the ambience, the pressure you get, everything. But it seemed like we weren’t ready for it.

“You see the way we gave the goals away, it’s the sharpness, I cannot say otherwise, not going with your man, not being ready for the battles. Our Old Firm game started in the second half, we were much better and much more aggressive”

As bad as things may appear on the surface, the January transfer window was kind on Rangers as they brought in Amad Diallo and Aaron Ramsey on loan, two players who could massively impact how the rest of the season pans out.

Celtic

As far as Celtic fans are concerned, normality is resumed in Glasgow. Celtic are back at the top for the first time since 2020 and are riding the crest of a wave with a great run of recent results. As good as they have been in front of goal, with the likes of Hatate scoring for fun, it is at the back where the side deserves a lot of credit. Having conceded just 13 goals in the league so far, the Celtic backline looks imperious and it seems like just a matter of time before the stalwarts of England come calling for the signatures of Greg Taylor and Josip Juranović.

The fact Celtic have no European responsibilities also givesthem that added boost in the title race. Having to travel midweek, even just for a couple of games, will provide Rangers with greater fatigue and take up more space on their schedule. The Hoops on the other hand, can spend longer preparing for their domestic fixtures — with the Scottish Cup another chance for more silverware as they face Raith Roversin a favourable tie.