It is safe to say that Celtic are expected to win the Premiership title race, no matter what happens at Ibrox at the start of next year. The Hoops have a 14-point lead at the top of the table and have not lost a domestic game so far this season. On the other hand, the Rangers seem to be caught in a never-ending decline.
Their fans would have been hoping that Celtic's draw against Dundee United gave the Rangers a window of opportunity to get back into the title race. But in the following two games, the Ibrox side have dropped 5 points, allowing the gap between the Glasgow teams to climb up to 14.
One has to wonder how much more time Philippe Clement will get before he is shown the exit door. We have seen the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Mick Beale be sacked for less.
Now Chris Sutton has given his take on the matter and the former Celtic striker appears to believe that the upcoming Glasgow Derby is vital when it comes to Clement's future. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he said on It's All Kicking Off:
"I don’t think he’ll be sacked before Thursday’s game against Celtic. I think it’s a must-win for him. I do think it’s a must-win.
“I think he’s hanging on now, but I think the Rangers fans have sort of had enough. Europe’s kept him in a job up until now.
“Fourteen points the gap between Celtic and Rangers at the top of the SPFL. And as I say, they play on Thursday at Ibrox. Rangers drew 2-2 at Motherwell at the weekend.
“Even from my distance, that is unacceptable. It has to be unacceptable. If that goes to 17 points, what’s the point?
“What is the point of continuing?"
Celtic hero Chris Sutton makes Philippe Clement sacking claim
To be very honest, Clement's sacking feels inevitable at this point in time. It is worth pointing out that the Rangers handed him a long-term extension earlier this season. Is that the key reason why the club have not parted ways with the manager yet?
Of course, none of this will concern Celtic. Their focus has to be clear. And that is winning as many games of football as possible between now and the end of the season.
If they do that, it is very possible that they end up winning another treble. And making it to the next phase of the Champions League is possible as well.