Today’s Celtic versus Rangers match is not the be-all and end-all in determining the winner of the Scottish Premiership title race. While I maintained earlier that a victory in the Glasgow Derby could provide a significant psychological boost to the triumphant side, there is a considerable amount of football left to be played before a champion is crowned.

Rangers now have a chance to seize the top position before their upcoming Dundee fixture on Wednesday evening. On the other hand, a win for Celtic in today’s game would place them four points ahead of the competition, positioning them comfortably as the frontrunners with the final derby match at Celtic Park still on the horizon following the split.

Contrary to general expectations, BBC pundit Michael Stewart suggests that for Celtic to emerge as title favorites, they do not necessarily have to secure a win at Ibrox today. According to Stewart, avoiding defeat is the key factor that could tip the scales in their favor.

Stewart expressed on the Scottish Football Podcast, “I would consider them slight favorites for the title if they manage to avoid a loss. The momentum gained from such a result could be crucial, especially considering Rangers are heading into this match with a slight advantage.”

While a draw would be acceptable in many respects, the Celtic faithful and manager Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly be eager for a victory. Rodgers has consistently highlighted the shift in media narrative that had portrayed Rangers as near-certain victors in the title race after Celtic lost their seven-point lead in December.

However, as Rodgers emphasized, championships are not decided in December alone. Regardless of the outcome today, the title race remains wide open with several matches yet to be contested before the season’s close.

A win today would furnish Rodgers’ team with a significant psychological edge, potentially denting Rangers’ confidence as they approach the critical final phase of the campaign. Celtic’s edge lies in their squad’s experience of clinching titles, a factor that could prove decisive down the home stretch.

In conclusion, the outcome of today’s match will undoubtedly have implications, but the ultimate victor of the Scottish Premiership will be determined by the collective performances over the remaining fixtures.