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With the Scottish Premiership already underway, 2016-17 will definitely be a more pulsating, breathtaking race to the title, with nearly four teams in contention.
Rangers’ promotion would surely lift the standards and Celtic would find it way tougher to retain the title they won last year with five games to spare.
So with this new season, let’s analyse the title contenders and their prospects to secure this year’s Scottish Premiership title.
Celtic FC
Celtic’s decision to hire in ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers heralded their upward ambitions, as the club confirmed they wanted to embolden their chances in the Champions League, a competition in which Celtic has fared miserably in the past.
Such was Rodgers reputation ever since he lead Liverpool’s unexpected title bid in 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season, that even former Celtic defender Gary Gillespie said, “I know how hard it is for Celtic to get through the Champions League qualifiers and get into the group stages. But if anyone can get them through that it is Brendan.”
The arrival of the former Aston Villa striker Scott Sinclair was a strong transfer buy for Celtic. He would again be reunited with Brendan Rodgers after the duo worked for the Swans, in the English Premier League.
Nevertheless, Sinclair would have to find his top notch to live up to his reputation after enduring three horror years in Manchester City and Aston Villa. Last season, Aston Villa were relegated to the English second-tier Championship.
Not to forget Mousa Dembele, the ex-Spurs talisman, and Kolo Toure have also signed for the Hoops. Having spent the last six years switching from Arsenal to Liverpool and then to Manchester City, Kolo Toure is definitely the buy of the season in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic has started incredibly well this season with a 5-0 hammering of Motherwell. Dembele scored a brace in his opening game as well. Even against Hapoel Beer Sheva in the first leg of the Champions league Play-off round, they came up win a 5-2 win with a brace from Leigh Griffith.
However it remains to be seen how far Celtic can wade into the Champions League, as it would definitely take a toll on their league performances, especially with the promotion of Rangers.
An early exit, even in the group stages might be a blessing in disguise for Celtic, if they are to retain the title.
Rangers
Rangers are finally back to the top to pose serious title challenge to the defending champions. Mark Wartburton’s side has already played two games and stand as the league leaders with four points.
After signing the out-of-favour Leicester winger Joe Dodoo on a four-year deal, they have hired in the controversial-cum-talented, ex-Marseille midfielder Joey Barton from Burnley.
Barton was one of the key figures who safely navigated Burnley to English Premier League promotion. Being a top professional for ten years and plying his trade for clubs like Manchester City and Marseille, he is sure to be again decisive in Rangers set-up.
Despite strong transfer links, Rangers have retained the attacking duo of Kenny Miller and Martin Waghorn. David Templeton, who was a key figure at the back with Nicky Law and Nicky Clark,last season in the second-division.is out of contract and has been released. Young MK Dons defender Lee Hodson has been hired as the permanent replacement.
Preston striker Joe Garner is also expected to be heading to Ibrox this season, to bolster Rangers attacking links.
Owing to the fact that Rangers are not in any European competition, it might just tilt the balance towards them, even though Mark Wartburton still feels another couple of signings are still needed.
Aberdeen
Though not many would fancy Aberdeen’s chances yet it would be incongruous to exclude them from the list of title contenders.
Aberdeen has been slow this season both in matches and in transfer moves. Only two signings have been completed for the club, who finished second last season.
Burton Albion defender Anthony O’ Connor has been the latest signing following the arrival of Northern Ireland defender Callum Morris. In another surprising move, they have purchased two keepers as free agents.
Having drawn both their opening games at home, they are yet to score three full points. Despite a dominant performance against Hearts of Midlothian, they failed to break the dead-lock, a clear indication of what is lacking.
Even last season they only managed to score 60-two goals, a clear indication of their achilles heel.
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