Celtic’s next three fixtures compared to Rangers ahead of mouthwatering Glasgow derby.
As the Glasgow derby on April 7 draws nearer, 67 Hail Hail compares Celtic’s next three league games against Rangers.
With just two points separating Rangers and Celtic at the top of the table, this season’s campaign for the Scottish Premiership title is expected to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
Following the league games on Wednesday, the Glasgow giants are separated by just two points. The champions defeated Dundee 7-1 at Parkhead thanks to an unexpected but commanding showing from Celtic.
Despite their early struggles, the Light Blues defeated Kilmarnock 2-1 at Rugby Park thanks to a strong second half showing. They also picked up three points.
There are now just three premier league games left before the next Glasgow derby at Ibrox, both of which were extremely valuable victories for Celtic and Rangers.
Who will Celtic play against between now and the start of April, and how does it compare to what Rangers have planned? First, let’s examine the games of the champions.
Celtic fixtures before derby
Hearts (A) – March 3
The Jambos have been in flying form since December and went 12 games unbeaten in all competitions, as per FotMob, until heavily losing to Rangers last Saturday.
Steven Naismith’s side then followed that up with a 1-1 home draw in the Edinburgh derby against Hibs and on another night, could have lost the game.
It’s clear Hearts have gone through a wobble or two but Brendan Rodgers and Celtic will understand heading to Tynecastle will be one of the toughest tests this season.
League position: 3rd
Current form: DLWWW
Previous meeting: Celtic 0-2 Hearts (December 16, 2023)
St Johnstone (H) – March 16
On November 5, Craig Levein succeeded the fired Steven MacLean, and St Johnstone benefited from the adage “managerial bounce.”
However, since the end of December, they have only won two games across all competitions, and they currently lie just four points above of Ross County, who are in the relegation play-offs.
Fitbastats indicates that St Johnstone’s last victory over Celtic at Parkhead was in March 2015. Hence, this match must be won.
League position: 10th
Current form: WLLLL
Previous meeting: St Johnstone 1-3 Celtic (December 3, 2023)
Livingston (A) – March 31
Livingston are really struggling at the moment and are overwhelming favourites to be automatically relegated from the Premiership this campaign.
As per FotMob, The Lions are the joint-lowest scorers in the league (19) and have also conceded the joint-most goals (48).
David Martindale’s side have made life difficult for Celtic in the past at the Tony Macaroni Arena but this is a fixture the Hoops simply must pick three points in and fairly comfortably at that.
League position: 12th
Current form: LLWWL
Previous meeting: Celtic 2-0 Livingston (December 23, 2023)
67 Hail Hail verdict
The average league position of Hearts, St Johnstone and Livingston is 8th and with that, nine points from nine and nothing less will be required for Celtic.
Of course, the trip to Edinburgh is the trickiest fixture before the derby but thankfully Celtic will play Hearts at a good time due to their slight dip in form. Now a look at Rangers and their fixtures before the Glasgow derby.
Rangers fixtures before derby
Motherwell (H) – March 2
Dundee (A) – March 17
Hibernian (H) – March 30
Current form: WWWWW
Average opposition league position: 7th
Rangers’ schedule is marginally more difficult than Celtic’s. Prior to the Hoops’ away match against Hearts the following day, Philippe Clement’s team is anticipated to win three points at home against Motherwell on Saturday.
If Rangers win three points, the onus will be on Celtic to perform at Tynecastle. However, there will be a little bit more pressure on Gers to do well against a respectable Dundee team and a developing Hibs if the Bhoys can pass the capital test.
Furthermore, Rangers’ Europa League semifinal matchup with Benfica is scheduled to take place in between, so it’s likely that Celtic will be the more experienced team when April 7th arrives.
Overall, Celtic has the better run-in, but before the Ibrox derby match, the difference between the Glasgow bitter rivals is probably going to stay at two points due to Rangers’ recent extremely strong play.
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