The 2021/22 edition of the Scottish Premiership didn’t look especially exciting before the kick-off, and by the time a few games had been played it looked like even more of a non-event. Celtic were languishing well down the table after early defeats against Hearts and Rangers, and a confident Steven Gerrard-led Gers side looked in control and well-positioned to retain the title. The rest of the season, however, saw change happen at an exceptional pace, so much so that it’s still taking some getting used to.
Ange Postecoglou, who had been unfairly maligned as a poor second choice after efforts to appoint Eddie Howe had hit the buffers, turned Celtic into a thrilling attacking side with an almost entirely new first XI. Gerrard left Ibrox to take the Aston Villa job, and suddenly his former side couldn’t play away from home. Although Giovanni van Bronckhorst steadied the ship more than enough to steer the Light Blues to a Europa League final, Celtic won the title comfortably in the end. So, to the nascent 2022/23 season: with both Glasgow sides having won their first three games, are bookies’ favourites Celtic nailed on to retain the title?
Continuity could be vital
Last season, it was Celtic who had to rebuild in the aftermath of a terrible season; enough players were signed to fit out an entire new defence, front three and most of a midfield - plus Joe Hart in goal. This season, additions have been made, but only Moritz Jenz, on loan from Lorient, has had a start with Aaron Mooy also making some appearances from the bench. A 5-0 win at Kilmarnock indicates that the Bhoys are finding a groove where “Angeball” is second nature to most of the squad. That could be vital in Old Firm games and a packed winter schedule.
New Gers a mixed bag
Reaching the Europa League final had its ups and downs for Rangers. They lost on penalties, and were just prominent enough for scouts from England and Holland to green-light moves for Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey. Players have arrived to fill the gaps left by those players and to provide support for the oft-injured Alfredo Morelos in attack. But betting companies not on Gamstop are probably right to have Celtic as favourites. Replacing Bassey could be tricky, with new defenders John Souttar and Ridvan Yilmaz looking shaky early on, although loanee Malik Tillman looks handy as a versatile attacker in the gap left by Aribo.
As usual, derbies will make the difference
At the beginning of September - with both teams possibly having made another addition or two depending on the outcome of Rangers’ Champions League playoff against PSV - the sides will meet at Celtic Park. That may be the first real guide to how prepared the sides are for the season ahead. Celtic won two of the derbies last season, including a pivotal 2-1 win at Ibrox where they showed the greater desire after an early Rangers barrage. Defeat in the first derby of this season would hurt van Bronckhorst more than it would Postecoglou, and could be an instructive moment for those of us looking to predict how the rest of the season will go.