Celtic have enough quality in their team to stave off any title challenge from Rangers or Hearts this season.
Despite remaining unbeaten in domestic competition, Brendan Rodgers’ side is now second in the Scottish Premiership, trailing a high-flying Hearts team, while Rangers, without a permanent manager, are in mid-table. Although Celtic have not been at their best, Hearts have been in excellent form thus far.
However, former Celtic midfielder Pat McGinlay has issued a warning to both Hearts and Rangers, claiming that one player in particular provides the Hoops an advantage. Speaking to the *Sunday Mail*, McGinlay stated:
> “I think they’ll win the league again this season.” Isn’t Rodgers a top performer? Brendan is as good as it gets. They’ve got the players, too; it’s just that some of the newcomers are still fitting in.”McGinlay recognised Celtic’s injury issues and drop in form, but feels that if key players return, the title race would shift decisively in their favour.
> “Benjamin Nygren appears to be a real player, but keep in mind that Jota is still out, Tierney is working his way back to full fitness, and Alistair Johnston is on the verge of returning. It will be a very different situation once those players and the new signings return to form.
> “If they start putting wins together and strengthen in January, Celtic will push on and take the title.”
### Upcoming Matches with Hearts and Rangers
Celtic has yet to face Hearts this season. The Edinburgh side has previously defeated Rangers at Ibrox and will be confident when they face Rodgers’ men at Tynecastle on **October 26**, in what promises to be an exciting game.
In the Glasgow derby, Celtic and Rangers drew 0-0 at Ibrox earlier this season. The next meeting between the two titans is scheduled for **January 3** at Celtic Park, where Rodgers will look to produce another statement victory and inflict more pain on the Ibrox side.
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