Kris Boyd has tipped Celtic to win the SPFL Premiership title, making then champions of Scotland for the 55th time.
As recently as April last year Boyd was confidently tipping Phil Clement to take the title to Ibrox but two points from matches against Celtic, Ross County and Dundee swung the title race in Celtic’s favour.
Since a 3-3 draw at Ibrox at the start of April both clubs have moved on in different directions, victory in two Glasgow Derbies delivered the SPFL title and Scottish Cup to Celtic.
While Celtic have struggled to make additions to their squad during the summer transfer window at Ibrox big hitters like John Lundstram, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack and Connor Goldson have moved on.
Clement’s side are first out the traps, away to Hearts at lunchtime on Saturday with Boyd opening his Sun column with:
IT breaks my heart to say this, but I think it’s CERTAIN Celtic will be champions again this season.
Rangers are facing too much chaos at Ibrox right now to make me think they can win the league.
Who knows? I’ve been wrong before and maybe I’ll be wrong again.
No one expected Ange Postecoglou to roll into town and win the title in his first season in Scotland.
Yet he was able to turn things around quickly.
The difference is that Philippe Clement doesn’t have the kind of money required to transform Rangers overnight.
Postecoglou transformed his squad by selling Kris Ajer, Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie, he was fresh into the job whereas Clement has been around since October getting to know his squad and their domestic opposition.
The new Celtic boss lost three of his first five matches, he had to wait until October to celebrate an away win.
Boyd adds:
Despite the manager signing a new deal yesterday, there still seems to be too much chaos around Ibrox right now.
At least Clement will be around to see the transformation the club needs.
But let’s not get caught up in things. The only thing that matters for Rangers is winning games of football, not long-term visions.
So I still see this as being a hugely painful season for the club’s supporters.
Their rivals have a bank balance of £82million, with more Champions League money on its way.
Matt O’Riley will be sold, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Reo Hatate follows him out the door for a decent wedge.
That may weaken Celtic, sure, but I still don’t think they would be so weak that Rangers would be able to catch them.
Brendan Rodgers will no doubt have signing targets in mind to replace them anyway.
There are always going to be twists and turns throughout the season, as there always are.
But Rangers will definitely need to bring in more quality to even compete. I just can’t see past Celtic being crowned champs again, as much as it pains me to say it.
Celtic will unfurl the 23/24 SPFL league flag ahead of facing Kilmarnock on Sunday as they set off for a fourth successive title in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
“…At least Clement will be around to see the transformation the club needs…”
Boyd has missed the big picture: the transformation of the club
is already well under way – and it has nothing to do with playing football.
Bennett is – rather belatedly – starting to try and manage unrealistic
expectations of the bears.
Off field matters are transforming the club: the stadium and the Elite court action
being the most visible drivers.
Just winning a cup would be a real achievement for the dysfunctional ibrox club.
“I’ve been wrong before” lol! The Fat Cunt has NEVER got ANYTHING right! Celtic will win the Treble, Flip Flop WONT see past October & the Huns are going BUST WHAHAHAHAHA!!