Darren O’Dea makes big Celtic title call after Falkirk win at Parkhead

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Celtic’s title race has shifted, and the decisive factor is now staring directly at Parkhead.

Darren O’Dea has made it clear that Celtic are now favourites, pointing to what he witnessed at Parkhead as Martin O’Neill’s side beat Falkirk 3-1.

🗣️ “I think Celtic, now, will be favourites”

Darren O’Dea explains why he believes Martin O’Neill’s side are front-runners for the Premiership title ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/gqoYsptLRH

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 25, 2026

The atmosphere at Celtic Park against Falkirk provided the clearest sign yet, with a level not seen all season due to issues with fans and the Hoops board.

That shift has come at a decisive point in the campaign, with Celtic now positioned perfectly with Rangers and Hearts to visit Celtic Park next.

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Darren O’Dea believes Celtic Park will decide the title race

The former Celtic defender was blown away with the crowd during the Falkirk win and he had seen enough to declare the Bhoys the favourites for the title now.

He said, “I think Celtic now, will be favourites, and there is a multitude of reasons.

“This place is now unified. This place has not been unified all year for different reasons. That seems to have been put to one side today.

“What I’ve seen from the atmosphere today, I’ve seen nothing like that all season. And I know there are different reasons for that so that’s not a criticism aimed at anyone.

“But this place is special when it’s rocking and it was rocking today. And this was Falkirk today. So you can imagine the next game, and the next game.

“Ultimately, Celtic have their biggest games at home and I think that could be the difference-maker.”

The upcoming fixtures against Rangers and Hearts now carry full weight, with both matches set to be played at Celtic Park.

The Premiership table underlines the stakes, placing Celtic in a position where home wins directly shape the outcome of the title race.

Those matches are no longer just part of the run-in, they are the moments that will decide it.

Celtic unity and atmosphere gives title edge

The most striking part of O’Dea’s assessment is the shift in unity, something he made clear had been missing earlier in the season.

That change was visible against Falkirk, where the atmosphere reached a level not seen across previous matches.

Celtic Park in that state creates pressure that visiting sides struggle to manage, particularly in high-stakes fixtures.

With Rangers and Hearts both travelling to Parkhead in the coming weeks, this will become a decisive advantage rather than a background factor.

Momentum, home fixtures, and a passionate crowd have aligned just at the right time, giving Celtic a significant edge over the next few weeks.

There is no ambiguity now, if Celtic deliver at Parkhead, the title follows.