Celtic haven’t even kicked a ball yet, and there is already huge drama in Glasgow.
From the future of Brendan Rodgers, and the Celtic manager wanting the board to show more ambition in the 2025 summer transfer window, to Rangers already dropping points in the new season.
It has become a common theme. Celtic win the title, as they have done for 13 out of the last 14 seasons. The champions are told that Rangers are coming, and then the Ibrox club falls flat on its face.
On Saturday evening, before Celtic can kick off Flag Day by hosting St Mirren on Sunday, Russell Martin’s side were lucky to earn a draw at Motherwell for their 2025/26 Premiership opener.
It’s perhaps a taste of what is to come, but Michael Stewart has already seen the light.
Michael Stewart’s ‘next biggest club’ jibe amid Celtic and Rangers title prediction
Even though Celtic seem to be surrounded by negative noise due to the transfer window, Stewart can only see one outcome at the end of the season.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the former midfielder says Celtic will be a ‘force to be reckoned with’ for the 2025/26 campaign and they will win the title again.
And when Stewart predicted Rangers to finish second, he called them the ‘next biggest club in the country’ after Celtic.
On backing Celtic to finish first: “They’re the strongest team with the biggest budget and a top-level manager as well,” stated Stewart.
“They’re still looking to bring in a main striker too, which I can only see strengthening their grip on the Premiership. As long as these facts remain, Celtic are going to continue to be the force to reckon with here.”
On Rangers finishing second: “They’re the next biggest club in the country and clearly, with all the new people moving into positions in their hierarchy, they’ll be desperate to close the gap on Celtic,” added Stewart.
“But I’m not sure that will be achievable just now. I think there’s scope for those behind to potentially get closer to the Ibrox side.”
Who has won the most trophies, Celtic or Rangers?
Last season was significant for many reasons, including Celtic creating history by winning Premiership title number 55 and becoming Scotland’s most successful club.
Rodgers has played a huge part in that, and the Hoops overtook Rangers after beating them in the League Cup final in December.
Celtic: 120 trophies
- 55 League titles
- 42 Scottish Cups
- 22 League Cups
- 1 European Cup
Rangers: 118 trophies
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