Kenny Dalglish delivers early verdict on upcoming Celtic and Rangers title race

Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish can’t see past the Bhoys as favourites for the Scottish Premiership this coming season, just six days out from the opening weekend.

While opting to wait until after the transfer window closes to deliver his final title race prediction, at this stage he sees Celtic in a stronger position than Rangers and thinks the Bhoys are better equipped for the challenges ahead this term.

Writing in his Sunday Post column [30/07 print edition], Dalglish said: “Celtic, quite rightly, start as favourites. They are the team to beat. They have won the title in the past two seasons and won it comfortably. Their squad is packed with winners and they know how to get the job done. It’s hard to see past Callum McGregor lifting the trophy again. Rangers have threatened on a number of occasions but too often for them they have fallen short of Celtic.

“In his first spell as Celtic boss, Brendan Rodgers knew how to beat the Gers and that’s why they won every domestic trophy they competed for under him. So, with 12 points at stake, the games between both sides will have an enormous bearing on where the title ends up.

“I feel that Celtic are still better equipped to cope with all the different scenarios the season could throw up. Right now, Brendan is starting with the better squad and it will take a monumental effort from the Gers to stop them doing three-in-a-row. But let’s see where they all are once the transfer window closes on September 1st. Once we see the exact shape of all squads, I will predict the title winners.”

Celtic must be prepared for tough season

It’s a fair assessment. While many upbeat Rangers fans will disagree, I personally think it’s undeniable that Celtic are in a stronger position heading into the season.

That doesn’t mean Celtic can afford to be complacent or think the trophies are wrapped up with a pretty bow. It’s going to be a long, and at times arduous, season. There will be ups and downs, and not everything will go our way. But it’s hard to see this group not delivering again.

It still feels like the Bhoys have a lot to do in the transfer window too, while Rangers seem to have completed the bulk of their business. Celtic have the capacity to improve this winning squad further.

When Ange Postecoglou left there were fears we might take a step backwards, but Rodgers’ arrival has ensured standards are maintained and that gives me enough confidence that the champions can get the job done again.