Celtic dropped points for just the second time this season, as they could only manage a 2-2 draw away at Ibrox against the Rangers. The result was ultimately a good one for Ange Postecoglou’s side though, as they maintained their commanding nine point lead at the top of the Premiership table. At the same time though, they must be hungry to get back to their winning ways.
Celtic’s next Premiership game will come against Kilmarnock, and they will take on Derek McInnes’ side a week later again, in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park.
It is safe to say that both are very important matches for Celtic, who have won four and drawn one of their five games after the World Cup break.
The last time these two sides met, it was a 3-0 away win for Celtic and they must be hoping for something similar this time around as well. On the other hand, it looks like McInnes views the Hoops as his toughest challenge right now. As reported by the Daily Record, the Kilmarnock manager said:
"“I think Celtic will provide the toughest challenges for all managers in the league.“You have got to have so many good things happen to your team. You have got to have good physicality, good fitness and good speed to deal with them.“You’ve got to look after the ball. Everybody’s challenge when they play Celtic will be do you get after them high or do you sit off? There’s loads of conundrums you have to try and overcome.”"
McInnes makes sensational claim about Celtic
It is safe to say that Celtic are the best team in the league right now, with their nine point lead providing proof to that claim.
Some would argue that they have not been at their blistering best this season and that is something that can be debated. The Hoops have found a way to get results though and hopefully, they will continue to do that moving forward.
There are just 18 league games left in the campaign while the Hoops have a far superior goal difference as well. At the same time though, they cannot make the mistake of looking too far ahead and must go forward one step at a time, in search of their second straight title.