Chris Sutton has labelled Rangers as “clear favourites” for this week’s Old Firm derby, while the Ibrox club are also progressing plans for their first summer signing.
Sutton doubts Celtic’s title chances but expects dramatic finish
The former Celtic striker admitted he “just can’t see” his old club winning the title in what he describes as the most compelling Premiership race he can remember.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Sutton said current leaders Hearts remain his favourites to lift the William Hill Premiership trophy, although he believes the outcome is far from certain.
He suggested the final stretch will be “epic” and expects all three title contenders to drop points before the season concludes. With Hearts holding a four-point lead over Rangers and Celtic still possessing a game in hand, Sutton feels the Edinburgh side are in the strongest position.
However, he questioned whether Celtic have the depth and strength they have shown in previous seasons. In his view, they must significantly raise their performance levels to stay in contention, and he remains unconvinced they can do so.
Sutton even hinted the race could widen further, noting that Motherwell cannot be completely ruled out. He described the title battle as fascinating and insisted it could still swing in any direction.
Rangers backed for derby advantage
Hearts have the opportunity to strengthen their grip at the top when they face Aberdeen, before Rangers and Celtic meet at Ibrox.
Sutton does not see Sunday’s clash as season-defining, given that all the leading sides are capable of beating each other. Nevertheless, he emphasised the magnitude of the occasion.
He believes a draw would benefit Hearts most, and at this stage of the campaign he feels most observers would make Rangers favourites for the derby. Sutton pointed to what he described as greater harmony at Ibrox compared to the tension surrounding Celtic, both among supporters and within the club hierarchy.
That said, he cautioned that Rangers have shown vulnerability, referencing their recent slip-up against Livingston as evidence that they too could falter.
With so much at stake beyond the rivalry itself, Sutton stressed that both Glasgow sides must win to maintain pressure on Hearts, who few expected to be leading at this stage of the season. He argued there is little reason to assume Hearts will fade, noting they have strengthened reasonably well in January.
In contrast, he was critical of Celtic’s recruitment and suggested Rangers have managed their business more effectively. In what he described as a January “arms race”, Sutton believes Celtic have come off worst.
Rangers working on first summer signing
While Danny Röhl and his squad remain focused on the decisive run-in, Rangers’ hierarchy are already planning ahead for the German’s first summer transfer window in charge.
Reports this week indicate Tottenham are prepared to sanction a permanent departure for Mikey Moore, provided they avoid relegation from the Premier League. The 18-year-old is understood to be open to extending his stay at Ibrox on a long-term basis, with discussions underway as Rangers aim to secure their first signing of the summer early.
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