Rangers installed as new title favourites – why Celtic are now outsiders to retain Scottish Premiership crown
After narrowing the eight-point deficit to Celtic, Rangers are the clear favorites to win the Scottish Premiership for the first time this year.Both teams are now tied for first place in the standings with 58 points after Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Aberdeen at Ibrox. Celtic leads Rangers by a narrow one goal margin thanks to a +39 goal differential with 55 goals scored and 16 goals given up, while Rangers are on a +38 goal differential with 50 goals scored and 12 goals given up.
Celtic were eight points clear going into the winter break just five weeks ago after defeating Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead on December 30 but last weekend’s draw at Aberdeen – coupled with Rangers winning their games in hand – has brought the Glasgow rivals back to level-pegging after 24 matches played. Rangers have dropped just five points in the league since the arrival of Philippe Clement in October – the defeat at Celtic Park coming after a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie – while Celtic have shipped 12 points over the same period of time.
Rangers are now the slight favorites at 4/5, according to bookmakers William Hill. This is the first time this season that Rangers have led the betting market after opening at 3/1. Celtic is still the favorite at 10/11 to win a third straight title and their 12th in 13 seasons.Celtic’s match against Hibs at Easter Road on Wednesday night gives them the opportunity to go three points ahead, while Rangers’ match against Ross County at Ibrox on Wednesday the following week is rescheduled after it was postponed on December 27.
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