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.
Rangersforever
Guest
Even as a staunch rangers fan I think we need a season to find our feet and further strengthen the first team as our reputation is recovered. Garner is a good signing and krancjar was much better against Motherwell but I think Rossiter has been excellent and will be player of the year. I still expect us to be 2d or 3rd but it's celtic to lose and in all honestly they have barely progressed on the field in four years. Aberdeen and hearts will round off the top 4 clubs with us in which order is anyone's guess P.S. Lol @ hibs
Evan Askew
Guest
True. I wonder if his futsal background has any effect, distal being of higher intensity but shorter duration.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Yeah i've noticed that he becomes less of an influence after about an hour. If he can get that sorted he will become a truly class player. We mustn't forget though he's only played a touch over 80 games for club and country and maybe only a touch over that was starting games...that's only 2 seasons worth of european football for most top clubs.
Evan Askew
Guest
he's got to do his stuff for the full 90 now. The two matches I have seen him play in this season, the Champions league qualifier midweek and the game against St Johnstons he seems to disappear after the 60 to 70 minute mark. But that is something I think will improve, particularly if he remains injury free.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Australian football has always had a bonny connection with the Scottish competition from Viduka, Craig Moore to Rogic. We've given them a good supply of our best over the years and I always follow the results with interest. This is it. Rogic has to step up now to the next level to have any impact for the Socceroos for Russia 2018.
Fadida
Guest
It's all in the past though Stu, a footnote in history.
Evan Askew
Guest
Yes their should be. Participation in 8 world cups. Three clubs that have won European trophies, plus a fourth Dundee United who were runnes up in the UEFA cup. Great players in Dennis Law, Kenny Dalglish, Graham Souness and Jimmy Johnson. Great coaches in Jock Stein, Sir Mat Busby, Bill Shankly and Alex Fergusson. The problem is that Scotlans hasn's so much declined in football but that heaps of other countries have caught up and thus Scotland is now at best a middle ranking football nation.
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
To be fair though is there much to discuss in regards to the SPL title race? If the article was written about great Scottish managers and great players there would be plenty of praise and respect.
stu
Guest
The Scottish game.....gets plenty of stick. However, much greater historical background, high level coaches with proven success and a greater number of players with proven success than Australia has produced. Surely some respect can be given??
stu
Guest
I am trying to see the connection to this article!!
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
On another hilarious off topic post, appears Ben Sigmund (Nix) is a qualified 'life coach'.........who would've thought?
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
FFA in talks with Ronaldinho and Diego Forlan's agent to join the A-League. SFC interested. Well done FFA. This Marquee player fund is going to boost the A-League.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
This is going to be the best A-League season ever. There's a few top quality signings too and some very good Aussie footballers returning. Really looking forward to the start of the season now.
Bob
Guest
Well done FFA? Go and talk to anyone involved in western sydney football and see what they think of that expression! The FFA opposed a team in western sydney for years and only allowed them entry out of desperation when the FFA botched the handling of GCU. The FFA have few friends in western sydney and this derby wouldn't be heppening if they had their way! So credit where credits due - well done Sydney, East and west !
josh
Guest
The only derby worthy of being called a Sydney derby.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Brett Emerton looking to a Sydney Derby sell out. Who would have thought that a club football match in Australia would ever sell out the ANZ stadium, capacity 83,500. Great news. It was never easy, but we have come a long way. Well done FFA!
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Fantastic football news. Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold has formed an alliance with high-profile coaches from rival codes in the Moore Park precinct in the hope of giving the Sky Blues an edge in the upcoming Hyundai A-League season. Arnold has joined forces with the coaches from rival codes. The coaches include Wallabies boss Michael Cheika, Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, Roosters supremo Trent Robinson and the Waratahs Daryl Gibson, who are all based at the Moore Park sporting precinct. The coaches will meet regularly to share everything from training methods, coaching structures, high-performance models, strength and conditioning techniques and team cultures. Derby tickets are still selling well. Get in early to get good seats. Be a part of history Sydney. Read more at http://www.sydneyfc.com/article/graham-arnolds-culture-club-alliance-at-moore-park/j1ccoa9xs9k11vo83v8i3bd3r#mMFlPmvODdsrG0gF.99
The Phantom Commissioner
Roar Rookie
Celtic are stronger on paper than they have been for a couple of years, they'll win the league by 10-15 points. Looking forward to be able to watch Rogic on a regular basis in the SPL and more than likely the UCL this season.
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
"The most over publicised league in Australia" ?.............lol, love starting the day off with a good laugh.
Fadida
Guest
Top 3? Given that only 2 have won it in living memory I think that's a bit far fetched