Rangers have more chance of title than Celtic - Sutton

TL;DR

Chris Sutton believes Rangers have a better chance of winning the Scottish Premiership than Celtic, despite Celtic currently being in second place. Sutton's comments come after Celtic's recent struggles against Rangers in the league.

Key points

Chris Sutton believes Rangers have a better chance of winning the title than Celtic.
Celtic is currently in second place, behind leaders Hearts.
Sutton doubts Celtic's ability to sustain their performance.
Bookmakers have made Celtic favorites to defend their title.

Mentioned in this story

Chris Sutton

RangersCelticScottish PremiershipHearts

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes arch-rivals Rangers have more chance of winning the Scottish Premiership this season than the Parkhead club.

That is despite Danny Rohl's men falling four points behind leaders Hearts - and being displaced by Celtic in second place - after Motherwell's weekend win at Ibrox.

While some bookmakers now have Martin O'Neill's charges as favourites to defend their crown, Sutton - who won the domestic treble and reached the 2003 Uefa Cup final under O'Neill - doesn't believe his old side will come out on top.

When asked on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club whether he thought Rangers have more of chance than Celtic of emerging victorious from the fascinating three-way battle for the title with Hearts, Sutton was unequivocal.

"Yes," he said. "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."

Not only does Sutton doubt Celtic's ability to reel in Hearts' three-point lead at the top, he doesn't feel it would reflect particularly well on Scottish football were O'Neill - in his second spell as interim manager after the departures of both Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy - to walk away with a fourth top-flight title, 22 years after his most recent.

"I don't think it would necessarily be a great look; they've been through three managers this season," Sutton added.

"Martin O'Neill's been in twice in these emergency roles. Some Celtic fans are saying it would be the greatest title triumph ever, when they've been that bad, to get it over the line."

'Hearts find a way to win'

Results graphic: Celtic 3-1 Falkirk; Rangers 2-3 Motherwell; Hibernian 1-2 Heart of Midlothian

Q&A

Why does Chris Sutton think Rangers have a better chance than Celtic?

Chris Sutton believes Rangers have a better chance due to Celtic's inability to beat them in the league and concerns about Celtic's sustainability in performance.

What is the current standing of Rangers and Celtic in the Scottish Premiership?

Rangers are currently four points behind leaders Hearts and have been displaced by Celtic, who are in second place.

What did Sutton say about Celtic's chances of winning the title?

Sutton expressed doubt about Celtic's chances of winning the title, suggesting that their current form is not sustainable.

How have bookmakers reacted to the title race between Rangers and Celtic?

Some bookmakers have made Celtic the favorites to defend their title, despite Sutton's belief that Rangers have a stronger chance.