Celtic’s fourth game of their post-winter schedule arrives on Wednesday night at home to St Johnstone.
It’s the game in-hand we’ve all been waiting for. It’s also a chance to go six points clear at the top and create a healthy lead heading into February. Three points would simply only continue some fine momentum being built at Parkhead too.
Three wins combined with three clean sheets have led to some nice days at the office for the Hoops since returning from their Winter break. Six points out of six and Scottish Cup progression – it’s been a fine start.
Forget the fact that Celtic have had “easy” opposition. Hamilton, St Mirren, and Airdrie at Parkhead are matches we should be winning. But it was absolutely essential that we did, as it’s helped create this nice margin.
Rangers, meanwhile, have already lost at Kilmarnock. Despite their 3-0 win at Livingston yesterday, their Glasgow derby win has already been wiped out thanks to Killie.
Kilmarnock and Aberdeen, meanwhile, have already drawn with each other. That’s two points dropped for each club to allow Celtic to pull further from them too.
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Celtic are doing what they must so far
Celtic are doing exactly what they must’ve had their eye on doing upon returning to action. Finishing off at home to Saints on Wednesday will end a run of four matches at home. Another three points there, and they’ll have really taken advantage of their scheduling. Considering the fact they’ve also yet to concede a goal, their success so far has been positive.
Yes, everyone plays the same teams over the course of 33 games before the split. But going into the tougher matches of the season with a nice points cushion is a lot better than doing so desperately needing the win.
Whilst all of their title-rivals have been slipping around them, Celtic have been storming ahead. Whether it be the performance of the new signings, or just the points themselves, there’s plenty of positives over the course of the last three matches.
We spoke about the importance of putting together a run post-break. The Hoops have started to do that nicely, but it doesn’t end here.
Saints are next up at Parkhead before our first away trip of the second half of the season on Sunday against the same opponents. Until further notice, Celtic need to keep this ruthless streak up.