Celtic are in control of their Premiership destiny and have a strong argument for outperforming Rangers in the title race.
A 3-3 draw against Ibrox is not a terrible outcome as it keeps them one point ahead, with a crucial derby at Parkhead ahead. However, they had a lead of two goals and then one goal in stoppage time. Rangers could take the lead by two points with their pending game, but they struggled during parts of the April Old Firm match and have lost this fixture twice already.
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV after the match, expressed enjoyment despite disappointment over not winning. He believed Celtic was the superior team until Rangers’ penalty. He emphasized the importance of still controlling their fate.
The confidence is high in the Celtic camp, but what are the reasons behind the theory that they will win the league in May? Glasgow World examines 11 factors.
1. Hatate factor
Hatate has looked like the missing midfield piece upon his return from injury. Keep him fit and Celtic can unlock doors they previously couldnt. Photo: Alan Harvey – SNS Group
2. Been there, done that
Brendan Rodgers knows how to get the job done. Has he been in a title race as tight as this? No, but he does have two Trebles that tell you all you need to know. Photo: Craig Williamson – SNS Group
3. Figured out
While Rangers have arguably had the momentum coming into derby clashes, that’s now three occasions in which they have been blown away in stages by their rivals. Celtic appear to know what works against the blue half of the city.
4. Experience in numbers
The return of the skipper is key but this current Celtic squad, for the large part, had a taste of the Treble last season. Others like Callum McGregor and James Forrest are losing count of the medals they have won and that kind of experience can’t be bought.
5. Cleared up
With the return of important midfielders, it’s only Luis Palma who stands as an injured Celtic star, and he is close to a return. Rodgers has a full squad to work with while Clement is missing the likes of Danilo and Oscar Cortes for an extended period.
6. Hitting the goal trail
The route to goal has been found. In their last six games, Celtic have scored 19 goals, and very few will live with them scoring like that. Photo: Alan Harvey – SNS Group
7. Finishing high
The keeper retiring at the end of this season has had his critics, but against Rangers, he produced key saves to keep the Light Blues at bay in the first half. His form has steadily improved in 2024 and he seems keen on going out with a bang.
8. Rodgers rule
Back to the gaffer, his derby record stands as 12 wins, three draws and one defeat. His ability to get results in this fixture is uncanny and as long as Celtic can stay within a game of Rangers between now and May, you’d back him to land a knockout blow at Parkhead
9. Home advantage
One thing Celtic have done is levelled the playing field. A win for Rangers would have had them reeling but instead, the tides have shifted in that now a raucous Parkhead has the chance to pile a pressure on Ibrox stars that Hoops aces dealt with at Ibrox. Photo: Andrew Milligan
10. Form climbing
Celtic have lost just once since September, and drawn twice prior to Sunday’s Ibrox thriller. Since December 16th, Celtic have dropped nine points, and Rangers seven. It’s neck and neck.
11. Simple maths
It really is this simple. Win all their games and win the title. Celtic are not used to losing silverware so you go against their chances of missing out at your peril.
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