Chris Sutton makes shock title race admission as key Celtic and Rangers factor can prove pivotal
The Hoops icon is still left unconvinced by his old side despite the weekend of consequence
Celtic leapfrogged their Old Firm rivals last weekend in what could be a major turning point in the title race - but former Hoops striker Chris Sutton still believes Rangers are favourites to finish above them.
After Celtic defeated Falkirk 3-1 at Parkhead on Saturday, the pressure was on Rangers to keep up, however their 3-2 defeat to Motherwell at Ibrox the following day means they now trail their rivals by a point with four games to go. Hearts subsequently held up their end of the bargain with a dramatic 2-1 victory over nine-man Hibs at Easter Road.
Emmanuel Longelo’s late winner in Govan sent seismic shockwaves, not only around Glasgow but Edinburgh too. If Rangers were to win the league the now they’re now relying on a Hearts slip up, unlike Celtic who still have it in their own hands, three points behind the leaders. Despite this, Sutton is still convinced Rangers will finish above Celtic due to the fact they boast better head-to-head record against their rivals.
Sutton makes shock title race admission
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club Sutton was asked if he thinks Rangers are still better placed than Celtic to finish top come May 16, to which he responded: "Yes. Bearing in mind Celtic haven't beaten them [in the league] and they've got to go to Celtic Park and it wouldn't be a great surprise [if Rangers won]. Celtic are finding a way but I do not think that's sustainable.
"I watch Celtic every week. Even on Saturday night against Falkirk, they just aren't convincing. At this moment in time under Martin O'Neill they are finding a way but I don't believe, and I've maintained this for a while, that Celtic can win these remaining four games. I really don't believe it. I'm not sure Celtic will go to Hibs and get a result. They won there earlier this season but Hibs beat them at Parkhead and drew at Parkhead. Celtic haven't beaten Hearts and Rangers [in the league] all season."
Hearts still in the driving seat - Sutton
Not for the first time this season, the Jambos weren’t overly convincing against their bitter rivals, but still left with three points. They’ve now won five of their last seven, as they continue to ‘find a way’ to get over the line in the run-in fixtures. Sutton believes it’s for this reason, as well as they’re superior league position, that they remain the overall favourites.
He continued: "Hearts just find a way to win. Their home record is phenomenal. You talk about pivotal games: if Hearts beat Rangers, essentially I think that is Rangers out of it. Derek McInnes, their manager, doesn't get enough credit. Everybody talks about Tony Bloom and the investment and the players they've signed. I do get that. But Derek McInnes has still found a way to navigate his team to this point.
"The Hearts story is brilliant because the question has always been: well, can it continue? Can this run continue? Can they get over the line? They've got four games now. I've been consistent in saying Hearts would go the distance and find a way. But anything could happen."
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