Six of our sportswriters have delivered their league-winning predictions amid a three-way fight for the title
The Record Sport team make their predictions ahead of a three-way Premiership title race(Image: )
Twenty-three played, 15 to go.
Yep, we’re approaching the business end of the Scottish Premiership and we have a title race on our hands.
Oh yes, a three-way title race. Hearts lead the league, Rangers are second while Celtic are in third position. And only six points separate them all.
Beautiful. But following the thrilling 2-2 draw at Tynecastle between the Gorgie side and the champions – allied to Rangers’ win over Dundee – who do we at Record Sport towers – think will land the title?
I’ll tell you – it wasn’t easy getting answers. Understandably, the guys wanted a bit more time before putting out their predictions.
Never going to happen. We need answers and we need them now so here we go…
Keith Jackson
This season’s title looks likely to be won and lost over the course of the next seven days while the transfer window remains open for business. But as things stand, Hearts are top of the table for a very good reason. They have been the best side in the country and, in Derek McInnes, they have an experienced and astute manager. It may all still feel like a bit of a fairytale but reality says it’s in the hands of the Tynecastle team.
Verdict: Hearts
Craig Swan
As it stands right now, Hearts and Rangers look best placed. But, if, and it’s a big if, Celtic recruit properly in the next week before the close of the window to add to the title-winning experience already in their squad, the champions can still retain their crown.
Verdict: Celtic
Scott Burns
I still see Hearts as the title favourites. They hold a four point lead and are in the driving seat. Rangers are getting results and have strengthened. They will come on strong and Celtic, well they will win games under Martin O’Neill. It is going to be close and things can change, but at this moment in time I would go with Derek McInnes’s side.
Verdict: Hearts
Andy Newport
As things stand I think it’s still too close to call. Hearts are on top but have been hit hard by injuries. Rangers are winning games but are still striving to hit top gear while Celtic are desperately short on the star quality they normally rely on. The final week of the window will have a major bearing on how the race pans out but if Danny Rohl can add the clinical striker his side currently lacks, I can see Rangers ducking ahead for the photo finish.
Verdict: Rangers
Gavin Berry
In the 15 games since Danny Rohl took charge of Rangers, he has picked up 10 points more than Celtic and nine more than leaders Hearts. Rangers have the toughest run of the three in the next batch of fixtures as they face the Jambos at home and Hibs and Motherwell away. But if they can come through that then it can be the catalyst for the arguably the unlikeliest ever title triumph, having been 16/1 before the German arrived and they sat just three points above bottom side Livingston. They still need a big improvement in performance but that’s what Rohl will be hoping his January recruits will give him once they find their feet.
Verdict: Rangers
Ross Pilcher
Whisper it, but Hearts might be starting to look like champions. The consistency and resilience Derek McInnes’ team have shown continued against one of their biggest rivals and without three of their key men.
There’s more transfer business to be done and while Rangers are on the charge, they’ve yet to take a point off the Jambos this season and have shown they still have slip ups in their locker. The pre-split fixtures could well be vital and if Hearts are still top after 33 games, they might just do the unthinkable.
Verdict: Hearts