Craig Beattie makes title race claim ahead of Celtic-Rangers clash

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Craig Beattie has told Sky Sports that Celtic do not need to win Sunday’s Old Firm derby against Rangers to make it eight consecutive Scottish Premiership titles in a row.

Neil Lennon’s Celtic sit 10 points clear of Rangers in first place, but that could be reduced to seven points on Sunday afternoon if Steven Gerrard’s side can produce a surprise win at Parkhead.

Rangers beat Celtic last time out for the first time since gaining promotion back to the top flight. Ryan Jack’s deflected effort was enough for Rangers to earn a 1-0 win at Ibrox.

A win for Celtic will see them go 13 points clear at the top, but ex-Hoops striker Beattie does not believe Lennon’s side even need to win the match to go eight in a row.

“If you don’t lose, the title is in the bag,” Beattie said. “I don’t think Rangers can pick up the amount of points to challenge anywhere near Celtic, let alone go and win the league.

“As long as Celtic don’t lose the match on the 31st, the title will comfortably be coming back to Celtic Park.”

TBR’s view

Celtic are miles ahead and it would take something catastrophic to lose the Scottish Premiership title. It is now paramount for Rangers that they continue to push, rather than lose their way and finish third again.

Gerrard needs to show progression. That would at least be finishing in second in the league. But after four matches without a win, the Liverpool legend desperately needs to turn around results as soon as possible.

That could start with Sunday’s clash against the Hoops. But Lennon remains unbeaten since returning to Celtic Park, and the chances are that Celtic could be running away with a 13-point lead.