Celtic’s next five league games could have a huge say on where they finish in the title race.
The Hoops are third in the table as it stands, but do have a game in hand on Hearts and Rangers.
A 2-1 win against Livingston has left Martin O’Neill’s men six points behind the league leaders and one off Rangers thanks to Stephen Welsh’s late equaliser for Motherwell.
There is no room for error now and as we get closer to the business end of the season, we have assessed how difficult the Hoops’ next five games are compared to their fellow challengers.
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Martin O’Neill is still unbeaten domestically as Celtic manager across these two spells this season
What is the secret to his success?
Celtic handed the toughest run of fixtures compared to Hearts and Rangers
Based on the average league position of each side that Celtic, Hearts and Rangers face, it is the Bhoys who will have the toughest run of the lot.
Their next five games are against Kilmarnock (11th), Hibernian (5th), Rangers (2nd), Aberdeen (7th), and Motherwell (4th).
All of those together have an average league position of fifth, the highest ranking.
Hearts have the easiest of the three, with their next five games against sides with an average position of seventh and Rangers in sixth.
How many points will Celtic get from these next five league games?
Where will we be in the table too?
Celtic must target maximum points from next five league games
It is a tall order but Celtic cannot afford to drop any points.
This next run of games includes their game in hand against Aberdeen.
Three points at Pittodrie, along with wins in the other games, would have the Bhoys clear of Rangers and at least three behind Hearts.
That would add even more pressure onto Derek McInnes’ side and have the Hoops right on their tails, waiting for another mistake.
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