One big Celtic problem has let Rangers flip the script as 'unique' title tussle takes another twist

Celtic and Rangers in action during recent Old Firm

Mark Wilson believes Celtic’s strongest team would still beat Rangers as he branded the title race shift this season ‘unique’.

Philippe Clement and his troops hit top spot after another weekend of drama in the Scottish Premiership. The Hoops lost a last-gasp leveller at home to Kilmarnock meaning a win for the Light Blues in Perth against St Johnstone would allow them to leapfrog Brendan Rodgers’ men in the standings and open a two point lead. They delivered with a 3-0 win as they continue their fine run of form under the Belgian boss.

It’s been quite the turnaround in fortunes after Rangers found themselves struggling in the early part of the season under Michael Beale and well off the pace. But since he was sacked and replaced by Clement, his side have shown a real consistency with only Celtic defeating them in the most recent derby and Aberdeen picking up a share of the spoils at Pittodrie. A combination of that run of form and a slump from the Hoops has opened up a real fight for the league crown this season with Rangers now in the driving seat. The Glasgow rivals meet twice more this season with the next showdown at Ibrox on April 7 before a Parkhead battle when the league split fixtures are confirmed.

There is plenty of football to be played between now and then but former Celtic defender Wilson is convinced his old club are still better player for player in an XI if they are able to name all their key men at one time.

He told Sky Sports: “I think with the strongest teams out I still believe Celtic have a better starting XI when everybody is fit and playing. But that has been the problem. Getting that starting XI all on the pitch at one time. If they can do that, and the players are up to match speed, I still believe Celtic have enough to win that game but again it is a long time to go before then.”

On the drama at the top and the huge changes in fortunes for the two clubs since the start of the season until now, he added: “It is quite a flip from the start of the season. You look back at September/October and the Rangers players found it incredibly difficult to play in that environment at Ibrox. The atmosphere from the support really took away from the players performing on the pitch.

“You get the sense of that happening here at Celtic Park. That is quite unique for that to happen in one season between two top teams. But the Celtic players have to suck it up and get on with it.

“They’ve been brought to the club not only for their ability but how they can deal with high pressure situations. In the coming weeks it is going to be high pressure every time they set on the pitch at Celtic Park.”