Celtic fans will feel a sense of excitement for the run-in as Brendan Rodgers looks to ensure his side enjoy a successful campaign at Parkhead.
Last night, Rangers failed to cut the gap to one point in a 0-0 draw away to Dundee in their game in hand, which has now left the margin at three heading into the post-split fixtures.
Following their defeat at Ross County last weekend, Philippe Clement’s outfit have now dropped points on nine occasions in the Scottish Premiership, the same as Celtic over 33 league matches.
Nevertheless, the significant factor at play is they have lost six matches and drawn three, whereas Rodgers’ men have lost three and recorded six stalemates, forming their advantage at the summit.
Goal difference was an imperative factor in alleviating pressure during Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at the club, and the Bhoys have a better differential than Rangers by five goals. If they can maintain distance from their rivals on that front, this could almost be similar to an extra point.
With Scottish Cup semi-final action on the horizon for Celtic this weekend, there is a palpable sense of excitement in Glasgow’s east end as the prospect of a domestic double remains on the cards.
Charlie Mulgrew on Celtic’s recent upturn in fortunes
Without a doubt, Rangers’ shoddy recent form is one reason for our new-found confidence; nevertheless, Celtic have lost just once in their last 18 matches, which is a resilient return that hasn’t gained widespread media attention.
Recently, the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, and Callum McGregor have made anticipated returns to the first team, offering star quality to a side that hasn’t always had an abundance of depth available this term.
Speaking ahead of our Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen, former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew believes his old side are ‘peaking’ at the right time amid recent events, which has been triggered by the return of their influential trio.
He stated [cited via BBC Sport]: “Hatate looks like he’s peaking and coming good at the right time. They seem to have a settled team, especially with their midfield and two wingers.
“Callum McGregor, a massive player for them, is coming back fit at a great time and Carter-Vickers looks like he’s got over his injury problems.
“They’re in great form as well, so yeah, it’s fair to say they’re peaking at the right time.”
Celtic know nothing has been won despite recent events
Titles aren’t won with games in hand, as we have seen over the last week; however, they also aren’t achieved with just a three-point gap separating first and second, signifying there is no room for complacency heading into the final five league matches.
Celtic need to be ruthless during the run-in despite goings on elsewhere, as we have seen the picture change swiftly throughout the season.
At one point, we were eight points ahead and then five points behind a matter of months later, so we can’t take anything for granted.