Pat Nevin has framed the title race as unpredictable, but the evidence shows Celtic are still in control as Rangers’ position looks uncertain after their Hearts defeat.
Celtic sit three points off the top with three games remaining, which defines a controlled position rather than a chaotic one.
BBC pundit Pat Nevin has tried to frame the title race into a discussion that has leaned into speculation about how the race between Celtic, Hearts and Rangers is going to go.
And as it looks like a straight two-way battle between Celtic and Hearts, Nevin’s Rangers claim does not hold up to scrutiny.
How about that, Celtic fans? Three massive points
Kelechi Iheanacho yet again!
Pat Nevin predicts ‘stumbles’ for Celtic and Hearts
While Celtic face Rangers, Motherwell and Hearts in their final three games of the season, Derek McInnes’ side face Motherwell, Falkirk and trip to Parkhead on the final day of the season.
However, Nevin reckons that within these three games, both title challengers could falter along the way.
Nevin said, “I think there will be stumbles, but you’re right, there are twists and turns in it.
“It’s so tight with the quality teams against each other this season that there was no expectation that all the teams that are top are going to win all the way to the end. So we’re not surprised about it this season.”
That assessment reflects the competitive nature of the league, but it does not remove the structure shown by the table.
- Hearts, 76 points from 35 games
- Celtic, 73 points from 35 games
- Three-point gap at the top
- Three matches remaining
The suggestion of widespread unpredictability means that there is no margin for error now and Celtic are best-placed to capitalise with home games against Rangers and Hearts.
Nevin’s Rangers ‘sniff’ line exposes Celtic Hearts reality
Nevin added, “I kind of hope it all goes to the last day. I wouldn’t be surprised if, I know Rangers are a long way away, but they might even have the odd sniff and you know if something weird happens, you’d never, never know.”
The table places that comment into context rather than possibility.
- Rangers, 69 points from 35 games
- Seven points behind Hearts
- Four points behind Celtic
- Three matches remaining
Rangers only enter the conversation needing favours from other teams. They are not in control of their own title destiny like Celtic and Hearts.
That point matters because it separates teams operating within reach of the title and not requiring something unusual to happen to help them out.
The table is clear. Celtic are within reach. Rangers are not.
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