Can Celtic remain top of the table?
By Nick McAdam
Celtic have been the force to be reckoned with in the Scottish Premiership. The Bhoys have made it six titles in a row since the Rangers last won Scotland back in 2010.
It’s shaping to be no different this campaign as Celtic currently sit at the top of the table with 51 points. The Celts rebounded well after their streak-ending loss to Hearts by gathering points in their next four contests.
The Winter Break in the Premiership has officially started for the Bhoys. The transfer window has opened up, enabling the Hoops to go after some much-needed targets for their competitive schedule after the break.
Brendan Rodgers and the board have already started the signings with the arrival of Marvin Compper and the resigning of Anthony Ralston. Erik Sviatchenko and Mikael Lustig continue to be rumored out across several publications, making the need for defenders more crucial.
An array of talents have been linked to Celtic. Chelsea’s Charly Musonda looks guaranteed to make a move as a result of his playing time, and wonderkid Lewis Morgan of St. Mirren might put pen to paper with a bigger club soon.
The need for more signings and depth may be the most critical part of the season for Celtic, as several pundits have made claims about other Scottish clubs gaining ground on the Celts’ reign.
The opinions of others can be respected, however, it should come with a bit of doubt. Celtic have a total of ten league matches after the break; more than half of matchups come in with less than 20 points in the standings.
The Hoops most competitive competition domestically will come against Aberdeen and Rangers. They play each side one more time in the campaign, both of which are away from Paradise. However, Rodgers remains undefeated against the rivals leaving Aberdeen as the biggest question mark.
More from The Celtic Bhoys
- Celtic handed fresh injury doubt before Feyenoord game
- Celtic’s £40.7 million announcement should scare Rangers
- Brendan Rodgers makes superb claim about returning Celtic player
- BBC pundit makes sensational claim about Celtic hero Kyogo
- Kyogo Furuhashi sends clear message to Celtic doubters
At that point in time, it should be expected that Celtic collect points in each contest. The reigning champions have created enough room on the table that a loss can happen without major consequences.
The Bhoys have done enough work early on in order to ease through the rest of the league schedule towards another title. Plus, if the transfer window goes as planned, Celtic will have enough talent to backup any possible injuries.
Focus has to be on the Europa League. Zenit comes as stiff competition, and Celtic will need all the big guns ready to progress through Europe. Either way, winning the Europa League or the Premiership means Champions League football next season, even though it’s been a bit hard for the Bhoys in that regard.
The upcoming window sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. Overall, winning Scotland yet again shouldn’t be a problem even if Rangers or Aberdeen gain ground on the Bhoys. Keep an eye on Zenit, as they might be the most tough for Celtic to see through.
It should be another successful campaign for the Hoops, something that comes as usual to players and fans alike.
Next: Is Kristoffer Ajer comparable to John Stones?
What are your predictions for Celtic after the break? Will they win the Premiership? Let us know in the comments below.