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Chris Sutton names title favourites after listing Celtic ‘third’ behind Hearts and Rangers

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For many, many years, Celtic have been cashing in on title after title, and normally with authority and ease.

But this season, even if Martin O’Neill guides Celtic to Premiership title number 56, it’s going to be one of the toughest and most gruelling wins ever.

That was proven on Sunday when ten-man Celtic drew 2-2 with Hearts, and dropped into third place in the Premiership table.

As Hearts and Celtic were battling it out at Tynecastle, Rangers were winning 3-0 against Dundee at Ibrox, and Chris Sutton made it pretty clear as to who the title favourites are right now.

Will we hunt Hearts down and win the title?

Benjamin Nygren arrives at Easter Road for the game between Hibernian and Celtic
Benjamin Nygren arrives at Easter Road for the game between Hibernian and Celtic Credit: WM Sport Media/Getty Images
Heart of Midlothian v Celtic - William Hill Premiership
Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images

Chris Sutton lists title favourites between Celtic, Rangers and Hearts

Hearts have been leading the chase for some time now, and Sutton has put them as firm ‘favourites’ to win the league at the end of the season.

Speaking on BBC 606, the former striker listed the favourites in order and put Celtic in third place.

Robbie Savage: “Hearts and Celtic. You went to the game. Big week for Hearts – 2-1 down, that goal at the end. How big of a day has this been for Rangers, do you think?”

Sutton: “Well, a big day. Danny Rohl, the job he has done. It’s so tight at the top of the Scottish Premiership now.”

Savage: “Who are the favourites right now?”

Sutton: “Honestly, I think that Hearts are favourites right now. I think so. I would say Rangers are the second favourites. Celtic third favourites.”

Is Martin O’Neill correct? The Celtic boss was fuming!

Celtic FC Head Coach Martin O'Neill looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between Bologna FC 1909 and Celtic FC

Sutton’s message to Martin O’Neill if Celtic don’t win the title

O’Neill will forever be a legend at Celtic, and it’s probably right that a statue should be put outside of Parkhead in his honour.

But there is only so much mess and cracks he can cover up. This Celtic team are beyond abject, and it’s been proven by the performances, even if the Hoops are winning.

Either way, if the unthinkable happens and Celtic aren’t champions at the end of the season, then Sutton made it clear that his former manager won’t be at fault.

Savage: “So, if Celtic don’t win it from here, what would you say to Martin O’Neill?”

Sutton: “I wouldn’t be taking Martin O’Neill to task. All I would say is, since Martin O’Neill has gone in. The second time around. How many signings have the club made? One. The centre-forward, who played against Hearts. He set up the second goal.

“I think I have been consistent on here about whoever gets the better of the transfer window (will win the title). You can see Hearts doing business, and Rangers have done business.”