Celtic and Rangers are involved in a thrilling SPFL title race, and John Barnes thinks the Bhoys have a slight “advantage” at the moment.
Following the 3-3 draw against Celtic at Ibrox, the Gers suffered a shock 3-2 loss against Ross County, which has dented their hopes of winning the title.
Celtic have also been inconsistent this season. They lost 2-0 against Hearts in March away from home, but Brendan Rodgers’ side appears to have picked up the momentum at the right time.
Barnes, drawing allusion to the Liverpool and Manchester City rivalry, suggested that he doesn’t expect the Bhoys to slip up from this position. Liverpool lost 1-0 against Crystal Palace at Anfield, which allowed Manchester City to go top of the league.
Likewise, Celtic now have the advantage in the race after Rangers dropped points in Dingwall. Considering that Celtic have the experience of winning titles from this position, Barnes thinks they will win the title and book another automatic spot in the Champions League.
What Barnes said about Celtic-Rangers title challenge
He said, as quoted by the Daily Record (page 46): “At the moment Celtic have the advantage and I don’t expect them to slip up.
“If you look at Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, the team that was on top has changed week to week.
“It’s a similar situation in Scotland and if Rangers had beaten Motherwell a few weeks ago then you’d have to say that they would be strong favourites.
“You really expect Celtic and Rangers to win most of their matches and now Celtic are in the driving seat but Rangers have been in it before.
“Whoever has the advantage holds the keys to the title. So it’s advantage Celtic.”
Old Firm to decide the outcome of the race?
At the moment, Celtic are leading the table by four points, and Rangers can cut the gap to one should they win their game in hand.
All eyes will be on the 11 May fixture at Parkhead, where the winner is likely to win the SPFL title this season. Rangers have been very poor away at Celtic in recent years, and they will have to put in their best effort if they want to win the title under Philippe Clement.
A victory or even a draw for Celtic will end Rangers’ hopes. Kilmarnock, currently fourth, could also play a big role in the title race. Both the teams will face Kilmarnock, with Celtic meeting them on the penultimate game of the season away from home.
