For the first time in many years, Rangers and Celtic are firmly engaged in a competitive Scottish Premiership title chase.

In February, as the campaign draws to a close, the Glasgow rivals, who have long been bitter rivals, are separated by just three points atop the standings.

On Neil Warnock’s management debut at the club, Rangers might, however, eat up the Hoops’ advantage tonight evening at Ibrox if they can defeat Aberdeen.

Until the end of the season in May, we have an amazing stretch of months ahead of us. But when we complete the Old Firm derby before the post-split games, might the league title be going in one way only?

 

Rangers and Celtic fixtures compared

The following nine Premiership games between the two titans may hold the answer to that query, and on the surface, the Rangers appear to have the upper hand.

This is because they have six home games in that time frame; their only away games are against Dundee, Kilmarnock, and St Johnstone.

With Philippe Clement leading the team, the Light Blues approach every game with the intention of winning. However, with so many home games to look forward to, we will have a far better chance than Celtic of finishing ahead of them in April.

Rangers next 9 Premiership fixtures

• Aberdeen (H) – February 6
• Ross County (H) – February 14
• St Johnstone (A) – February 18
• Hearts (H) – February 24
• Kilmarnock (A) – February 28
• Motherwell (H) – March 2
• Dundee (A) – March 17
• Hibs (H) – March 30
• Celtic (H) – April 6

Average league position of opposition: 7th

Out of the next nine league games, Celtic will play just four at home. Aside from a trip to Livingston, they will be playing three of the top five teams in the nation on the road.

Although Hibs are now in a bit of a shambles, Celtic doesn’t always have an easy time at Easter Road. The pressure is squarely on the Hoops because Brendan Rodgers has failed to win a game there in his tenure as the team’s manager.

Celtic next 9 Premiership fixtures

• Hibs (A) – February 7
• Kilmarnock (H) – February 17
• Motherwell (A)- February 25
• Dundee (H) – February 28
• Hearts (A) – March 3
• St Johnstone (H) – March 16
• Livingston (A) – March 30
• Rangers (A) – April 6
• St Mirren (H) – April 13

Average league position of opposition: 6th

To put it simply, Rangers are in a great position to take the lead in the Scottish Premiership. Naturally, events might turn out differently, but the truth remains that Celtic are faltering.

Even though it was only October, the seven-point advantage they had over the Rangers when Michael Beale was fired seemed insurmountable at that point in the season.

However, they are currently paying for the Rangers’ abundance of stability, which they lack. Three points now separates the two teams, and on Tuesday night, things could end evenly.

The title battle hinges on these next nine games, which essentially favor Rangers over any other club.

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