Rangers ‘definitely’ SPFL favourites and Celtic need Old Firm victory – BBC Sport pundit
Rangers are “definitely” the favourites to beat Celtic in the SPFL title race thanks to their winnable game in hand, says Kenny Miller.
The BBC Sport pundit and former striker for both sides told the Scottish Sun (21 March) that Philippe Clement has put his side in the ascendency this season by breeding an “air of confidence”, and despite the Hoops going top for the international break as the Gers trip to Dundee was controversially called off he has backed the title to head back to Ibrox.
Rangers are currently a point back from Brenden Rodgers’ side in second, with the Dundee game in hand, and the next Old Firm clash in Govan on 7 April set to be “absolutely crucial”, with Miller claiming Celtic will have to be proactive as they need a win to wrestle back the advantage.
He said: “I fancy Rangers to win the title. I was at the Rangers v Aberdeen game a few weeks ago and there was a real feel-good factor in the stadium that night.
“The game was 1-1 with 25 minutes to go. I’ve played in those situations, and you can feel the anxiety and the pressure from the stands because they expect you to be winning at every stage of every game.
“However, that night there was a real belief in the supporters and an air of confidence that the team would get the job done — which they did. I think that air of confidence feeds into the players and they’ve pretty much won every game under Philippe Clement.
“They’ve got the game in hand, which they will feel confident of winning, and there are only nine games to go. It definitely makes you the favourites, but the Old Firm derby will be absolutely crucial.
“Celtic will have to attack Rangers as a draw should be enough to keep it in their own hands depending on how fixtures go between now and then.”
Kenny Miller confident Dundee postponement won’t derail Rangers title bid under Philippe Clement
At face value Rangers look like the team to beat currently, and despite the upset over the Dens Park trip they would be expected to win the rescheduled fixture.
However, thanks to the surprise defeat at home to Motherwell on 2 March there is so little to divide the two sides of Glasgow that a slip up in the derby will hand the initiative back to Celtic.
On form, confidence and home advantage the Light Blues should get a result on paper, but all too often in recent seasons they have managed to come away from such encounters with a defeat one way or another.
Whether it has been brainless defending or refereeing controversies it is impossible to argue that Rangers have a good enough recent record in Old Firm clashes, and indeed Clement lost his first.
The Belgian will be as desperate as anyone to get his first win over Celtic in just over a fortnight, and should be do so then some may be ready to crown his side champions already.
But there have been enough twists and turns this season already to show that it would be foolish to presume anything either way until it is mathematically certain.
In other Rangers news, a homegrown first-team ace is now expected to leave Ibrox along with two senior teammates.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.