Barry Ferguson has stated that there is ‘no chance’ the title race is over between Celtic and Rangers, with Brendan Rodgers’ side holding a five-point lead at the top.
Fair enough. There is still a long way to go for the two sides, including the Parkhead clash in December, which is going to be huge because it will be Philippe Clement’s first taste of the Glasgow derby.
But Barry Ferguson’s suggestion on Go Radio that Celtic aren’t as good as last season needs addressing and putting right.
You could throw that at Rangers because they didn’t change manager, with the saviour and now-sacked, Michael Beale, tipped to lead them to glory before a ball was kicked.
But bearing in mind that the Bhoys changed manager in the summer and had a weakened backline travel to Ibrox and win 1-0 at the start of the campaign, then holding a five-point lead at this stage is pretty impressive.
Kyogo Furuhashi is doing what he always does best and that’s scoring goals, especially against Rangers, with Matt O’Riley playing the best football of his career, Callum McGregor stepping up when it matters most and it was only last week that the lead was seven, which could happen again by the time the weekend is out.
That’s not bad for a team that’s not as good as last season and that has won eight from ten.
Barry Ferguson on Celtic
“There is no chance that it’s over, no chance,” said Ferguson about the title race.
“I don’t think Celtic are as good as last year, either. Neither are Rangers. They are both weaker. I don’t think somebody is going to win it with four or five games to go, I honestly don’t believe that.”
Difficult St Mirren test
Celtic will host surprise packages St Mirren at Parkhead tonight, with the chance to maintain their unbeaten start and further open the lead at the top of the table.
Rodgers should have rotated his XI at Easter Road, he didn’t and Celtic paid the price.
But James Forrest is being backed to start against St Mirren tonight, with changes expected as the games continue to come in thick and fast.
It’s not helpful that the Bhoys are playing on a Wednesday night and then again for the early kick-off on Saturday – Neil Lennon has already expressed his frustration at that.
But it’s something the players have to get through because, so far, they are dealing with it pretty well.
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