We’re in the final stretch of the Scottish Premiership reason and a massive title race run-in for Celtic and Rangers begins today.
Both teams are in action away from home this afternoon in the first set of post-split fixtures against the top six sides in the country.
Celtic travel to Dens Park to take on Dundee while St Mirren host Rangers in Paisley. Both venues have been difficult for visiting clubs this season.
The Bhoys hold a three-point advantage over the second-placed side at the top of the table but with a derby still to play at Celtic Park, there’s simply no room for error.
Celtic icon Lubo Moravcik is sure that Brendan Rodgers’ team won’t be too caught up in the hype, also delivering his prediction on which way the silverware will go.
Celtic hold title race advantage over Rangers
He said [Sunday Post, 28/04 print edition]: “When it is so close to the end of the season, you just need to stay focused and take it one game at a time. That’s why nobody inside Celtic Park will be thinking about anything else other than trying to beat Dundee on Sunday.
“Dens Park is never an easy venue to go to. Dundee got a very good result against Rangers recently with that 0-0 draw. So, we know they are a capable team and will not be overawed. They have lots to play for as they push for a place in Europe.
“Overall, Sunday is a massive day and we will see how Rangers get on when they play at St Mirren. That is not a guaranteed win for them. The best team will find a way to become the champions. I am confident it will turn out to be Celtic.”
Celtic confidence is welcome, complacency is not
There’s no reason for the Bhoys to feel fearful heading into this run of fixtures. Yes, there’s a lot of pressure to deliver but most of them have been there and done this before. They can handle it and they should be backing themselves to become champions.
But we didn’t want that to turn into complacency either. At times this season we’ve witnessed the team turn up and expect to win without putting in the hard graft. Other sides have taken advantage of that, raising their own game to take the fight to the reigning champions and pick up points at our expense.
All of that has to be in the past now. Last week’s penalty win over Aberdeen at Hampden was enough evidence that anything can happen over the next five games. Celtic must take control and show their true collective worth.
