Chris Sutton tips Celtic to have major edge in title race with Rangers still in Europe
Celtic have the chance to “pile on the pressure” against Rangers in the title race after the two sides’ results in Europe this week says Chris Sutton.
The Gers completed a wonderful 6-4 aggregate victory over tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League while the Hoops limped out of the Europa Conference League at the hands of Bodo/Glimt.
Sutton admits this hurts his former side’s standing but says it gives them the chance of a major advantage over their Glasgow rivals in the Scottish Premiership.
Writing in the Daily Record the former striker says: “We keep being told Celtic are a big European side but their results haven’t backed it up in recent years, stretching back way before the current boss.
“Postecogou gets a pass this season as he’s only started a major rebuild – but there will still be some regrets from this tie.
“Now it gets real and with Rangers still in Europe, Celtic will get the chance to pile on the pressure by playing first over the next few weekends.
“That could be a huge psychological benefit – but only if you keep winning.”
Knife-edge
The contrasting results in Europe have the potential to have a big effect on the Light Blue’s title defence, but it could go either way.
Without doubt, they will face greater responsibility and expend greater energy the longer their Europa League campaign goes on.
But the belief and form that they could draw from it could equally spur them onto to chase down their rivals.
On the opposite side, the way Celtic were beaten home and away by the Norwegian champions could have sowed the seeds of doubt in the minds of Ange Postecoglou’s men.
The next few matches will be key in determining which set of consequences come to pass.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side dropped points in a frustrating draw at Dundee United following the first-leg win in Germany, while Celtic picked up a late win over Dundee despite the European defeat in midweek.
They were lucky to escape with all three points, however, and if the Gers squad players are able to come in and secure a good win against Motherwell this weekend the pressure may instead be on the league leaders.
In other Rangers news, a European football expert has backed the club to advance further in the competition.