Former Celtic striker and current pundit Chris Sutton has delivered a stark assessment of his old club's title prospects, stating he "just can't see" them prevailing in the Scottish Premiership race or in this weekend's crucial Old Firm derby against Rangers.
Sutton's Title Prediction Favours Hearts
In an interview with Sky Sports, Sutton identified current league leaders Hearts as the likeliest winners of the championship, highlighting their four-point advantage over Rangers. "It's going to be epic, these last 10 games for Hearts," Sutton declared. "I still make them favourites. My gut feeling is that all three sides will drop points on this run-in, so I'd rather be where Hearts are."
Celtic's Shortcomings Highlighted
Sutton was particularly critical of Celtic's current squad strength and recruitment, contrasting it unfavourably with previous seasons. "Celtic have really got to up their game if they want to win the title, but I just can't see it for Celtic this season," he said. He elaborated that Celtic "don't have the strength which they've had in previous seasons" and described their January transfer business as being "bottom of the arms race" compared to their rivals.
The pundit also pointed to internal issues at Parkhead, noting "the bad feeling from part of the fanbase and Celtic's hierarchy" as factors putting Rangers in a better position for Sunday's clash. "I think everybody, every sensible person, would make Rangers favourites for Sunday," Sutton added.
A Fascinating Three-Horse Race
Sutton emphasised the unpredictability and quality of this season's title chase, which also includes Motherwell as a potential dark horse. "We're calling it a three-horse race, there is a chance that Motherwell could sneak it as well," he said. "It's the best title race I can remember from playing or doing the punditry work up there. It's absolutely fascinating. This could go any way. It really, really could."
The Old Firm Derby Context
With Hearts facing Aberdeen on Saturday, the Glasgow derby at Ibrox on Sunday takes on added significance. Sutton believes a draw would particularly suit Hearts. "Sunday is such a huge match because of what's at stake," he explained. "And not just the rivalry on this occasion, it's really important for both teams that they want to win the game, just to try and keep the pressure on Hearts."
However, he cautioned against viewing the match as definitive, noting that Rangers showed vulnerability in a recent slip-up against Livingston. "I think that all the clubs at the top are capable of beating each other, so I don't think it's a defining game, but obviously it's absolutely huge," Sutton concluded.
Hearts' Credentials Defended
Sutton strongly defended Hearts' position at the summit, dismissing suggestions they might falter. "Nobody really saw Hearts at the start of the season being in this position, and people are thinking they're going to fall away. But why would they fall away?" he questioned. "They've been at the top by rights all season. They've recruited OK in January."
This analysis sets the stage for a dramatic climax to the Scottish Premiership season, with Sutton's comments adding further intrigue to the battles at the top of the table.
