Chris Sutton says Celtic are the least likely to push Hearts all the way for the title compared to Rangers because of the ‘bad feeling’ around Parkhead.
The former Premiership striker noted that Rangers are ‘a more harmonious club’, right now under Danny Rohl, but there is an ill-feeling around Celtic between ‘the fanbase and the club’s hierarchy’, as this season has proven.
Who out of Celtic and Rangers can push Hearts all the way? “With the nature of Celtic’s season, the bad feeling from the fanbase and the club’s hierarchy, I think Rangers are in a better position,” responded Sutton.
“I think Rangers are a more harmonious club.”
Celtic have a trip to Germany to take on VfB Stuttgart in the second leg of their playoff encounter on Thursday, but many more are talking about that Ibrox trip at the weekend instead.
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Chris Sutton on the upcoming Glasgow derby and pushing Hearts for the title
Kris Boyd has recently stated that the loser of Rangers v Celtic on Sunday is ‘out of the title race’, but that’s a statement Sutton disagrees with.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football, Sutton was more upbeat about it all, and how everyone in the top six is ‘capable of beating each other.’
But if it does come down to one of Celtic or Rangers slipping away, then Sutton is, unfortunately, feeling that it will be the Hoops who will fade away.
On Kris Boyd stating that ‘whoever loses the Glasgow derby is out of the title race’: “No, I don’t agree,” responded Sutton. “Just because of the nature of the Scottish Premiership this season.
“Certainly, when the split comes, I look at the top six, and it will be the six who are in there now. Falkirk, Hibs, Motherwell, Celtic, Rangers and Hearts. I think they are all capable of beating each other. I really do.
“I would prefer it if Martin made changes in the game against Stuttgart, and went with a sort of second string, and rested the players before Sunday – I would prioritise the Rangers game, but it doesn’t look like O’Neill is going to do that.
“At this moment in time, with Celtic and the way the season has gone, I think, every sensible person would have Rangers as favourites for Sunday.
Who out of Celtic and Rangers can push Hearts all the way: “With the nature of Celtic’s season, the bad feeling from the fanbase and the club’s hierarchy. I think Rangers are in a better position. I think Rangers are a more harmonious club.
“I think there is a nervousness amongst the Rangers fanbase because they have got themselves back in a title race under Danny Rohl, whose record has been absolutely phenomenal. I still think they are a team that has a slip-up in them, as they proved against Livingston.”
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Sutton says Hearts are still ‘favourites’ for the Premiership title
From the get-go, Hearts showcased ambition to win the title; not many believed the Jambos, and throughout the campaign, they have been questioned again and again.
But with the split around the corner, and Derek McInnes’ side still sitting at the top of the tree, Sutton feels that Hearts are now ‘favourites’ to become champions of Scotland.
“It’s going to be epic these last ten games for Hearts,” said Sutton. “I still make them favourites – Hearts are in the driving seat.
“My gut feeling is that all three sides will drop points on this run-in. I would rather be where Hearts are, and they have that four-point gap on Rangers. Then Celtic have a game in hand.
“Celtic don’t have the strength which they have had in previous seasons. I am certainly sure that Celtic have really got to up their game if they want to win the title, but I just can’t see it for Celtic this season.”
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