Chris Sutton claims Hearts are still title favourites as ‘decisive’ Celtic factor named

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Celtic narrowed the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Hearts are dealing with expectation from seemingly every corner of world football after taking a surprise eight-point lead, and Martin O’Neill’s Celtic are chasing them.

The Hoops’ 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle led to the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers, leaving the club in disarray.

But O’Neill has steadied the ship since his arrival, whilst Derek McInnes’ side have dropped points to St Mirren and Dundee United – so are they equipped for a title race?

Chris Sutton still thinks that Hearts are favourites for the title, despite the momentum seemingly shifting.

Chris Sutton on Celtic and Hearts’ title race

The Hoops’ level of performance, domestically, anyway, has seen improvement since Rodgers’ departure.

Players such as Johnny Kenny, Auston Trusty and Marcelo Saracchi have hit form under the new Celtic coaching staff.

READ MORE: Theory about Kieran Tierney’s ‘psychological scars’ raised by Michael Stewart after Celtic goal

For Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio’s 606 with Robbie Savage, there were disagreements over whether Celtic are now favourites to turn it around.

Savage pressed Sutton on who were the current favourites, and Sutton replied: “I think Hearts are favourites, Hearts are favourites still. Top of the league by seven points, Rob.”

Savage and a caller felt that Celtic were still favourites, but Sutton doubled down.

He said: “I don’t agree with you there – I’ll tell you why. Celtic and Rangers have European competition to contend with.

“I think January’s going to be a decisive month. Rangers won comfortably [on Sunday], and the game was over pretty early.

“But I think recruitment in January, for the three clubs… whoever gets the better recruitment in January will win the league.

“Hearts might win it this year, and there are a lot of fans who feel that way. But it is really difficult to do.”

Celtic face Hearts in Glasgow in a few matchdays – that will be a telling reflection on whether there is truly a title race pending

What do Celtic need in January?

Sutton says that January will be a decisive factor for the Hoops – but what do they actually need in the mid-season window?

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has been linked, as has Morocco youth captain Hossam Essadak, who is an attacking midfielder.

But a right-winger feels like the biggest priority, given the current lack of balance in the Hoops’ attack. Celtic’s injury situation could also force them into the market.

Before thinking about recruiting players, though, the club need to focus on getting a permanent manager in place over the coming weeks.