There is an unusual look to the Scottish Premiership table after seven matchdays.
Celtic are competing at the top with Hearts, after Brendan Rodgers’ side kept the chase on with a late win against Motherwell on Sunday.
We may be at an early point in the campaign, but Rangers languishing in eighth is extraordinary to see – they sacked Russell Martin after their 1-1 draw against Falkirk.
Aberdeen sitting at the bottom of the league despite competing in Europe after beating Celtic in last season’s Scottish Cup final is also quite something.
Such an interesting start to the season is drawing attention south of the border – and one former Hoops hero has given an interesting take when asked his thoughts on it.
Chris Sutton on Hearts’ title chance
We have seen this movie before with Aberdeen under Jimmy Thelin last season. Unbeaten well into November, the Dons were neck-and-neck with the Hoops and forced a draw at Celtic Park.
After their run ended, their form fell away significantly. With that still fresh in the memory, it must be a caveat when looking at the start Derek McInnes has made.
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However, given the nature of their late win against Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby, it’s impossible not to talk about them.
Chris Sutton was asked about their title hopes on the BBC’s Monday Night Club, and gave a straight answer on whether they could really do it. He also threw in a criticism of Celtic to justify his take.
Sutton said: “They could win the league. They could win the league this season Hearts, absolutely. If you look at Celtic.
“Celtic are as dull as anything to watch at this moment in time. It’s as flat as anything. And I think that’s why there’s a lot of anger, even more anger amongst the Rangers fan base, because of that.”
It’s difficult to disagree with Sutton, but there’s also no denying that Sunday’s win against Motherwell was anything but dull to watch.
If anything, the chaotic nature of the game overcompensated the other way.
When do Celtic play against Hearts?
Just weeks after the previous one, we’re back in an international break for the next fortnight. The Hoops return to action against Dundee at Dens’ Park on October 19th.
It’s a crucial third matchday for Celtic’s Europa League campaign after that, when Sturm Graz come to Celtic Park after beating Rangers last week.
It’s three days later that the Hoops face Hearts in a showdown encounter at Tynecastle which promises to be the most anticipated meeting between the two sides in years.
Knowing Rodgers’ Celtic spells, he will absolutely love the opportunity to burst that bubble in Edinburgh.
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