By Sahil Jaidka & Alison Conroy
Following an earlier than planned winter break, the Scottish Premiership returns on Monday with plenty at stake for all 12 clubs.
The action gets underway when Hibernian travel to Celtic Park followed by five games on Tuesday, including Aberdeen vs Rangers –
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Ahead of the action getting under way, we’ve analysed some of the major talking points and discuss if Rangers can hold off Celtic to retain the title, who could come out on top in the race for third and fourth, how the relegation battle will go, which January signings to look out for, and much more.
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How the table stands
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The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or locationMarvin Bartley, Craig Moore and Mark Wilson discuss the title race and the impact of Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou
Leaders Rangers have a six-point advantage over Celtic in the Scottish Premiership but the destination of this season’s title is far from decided.
The sides meet at Celtic Park on February 2, live on Sky Sports, with another two meetings on the horizon. It is these battles that are likely to determine which half of the Old Firm will lift the trophy in May.
Since Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s arrival at Rangers in November, the club have won all seven league matches under the Dutchman.
A tweak to the 4-3-3 formation used by his predecessor Steven Gerrard – with full-backs more controlled in attack, wingers asked to stay wide and more attacking licence given to the midfield – has also helped transform the form of key players.
Borna Barisic has rediscovered his form that helped Rangers win the title last season, Alfredo Morelos is more threatening in front of goal, Scott Arfield is featuring more regularly and scored key goals, plus players including Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey are continuing to impress.
Across the city, Ange Postecoglou has rebuilt a Celtic squad that failed to win a historic 10th consecutive title last season and transformed them into serious challengers.
A high-press when out of possession, quick transitions into attack when with the ball and an entertaining style of play has excited the Celtic supporters.
That transformation on the pitch sees Postecoglou’s side rank above most of their rivals around goals conceded and shots on goal, plus above most sides in Europe’s top leagues for the average number of passes per match.
Both teams have little, if any, margin for error over the coming 18 matches.
The pride of coming out on top will be more than enough for the fans, but this season’s Premiership title comes with an even bigger prize. A place in the Champions League is all but guaranteed. With that comes a cash injection of £30m and rising.
Race for top four
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The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or locationThe panel on our mid-season review show discuss how Hearts, Motherwell, Hibernian and Aberdeen have started the season as the battle for the top-four intensifies
Just nine points separate third to sixth, with Dundee United only two points further back as clubs battle for the other European spots.
Hearts are currently in pole position after an impressive return to the top flight. Robbie Neilson’s side were top of the table after 10 matches – largely thanks to some outstanding performances from Craig Gordon, John Souttar, Cameron Devlin, Beni Baningime and Liam Boyce to name a few.
On top of that, some shrewd summer signings will mean any of their rivals will find it tough to dislodge them from third.
One club hoping to do just that however are Motherwell. Graham Alexander has signed a new contract at Fir Park after one year in the job. An eighth-placed finish last time around gave him time to settle into the job but the ‘Well fans will be demanding a top-half finish at least after an impressive start to this season.
The club’s transformation under the former Scotland international is clear to see on the pitch but also perhaps in Alexander’s trophy cabinet. He is the first boss outside of Celtic and Rangers to win three Premiership manager of the month awards in a calendar year, with only Neil Lennon, Steven Gerrard, Alex McLeish, Brendan Rodgers and Gordon Strachan to do likewise.
While it is Alexander’s 10th season as a manager, Hibs boss Shaun Maloney is yet to experience a full month in the dugout. He left his role as assistant to Roberto Martinez at Belgium to take up the top job at Easter Road and made it two wins from two before the break.
Those results have moved Hibs into fifth and while their first match back at Maloney’s former club Celtic will be his toughest challenge as a manager to date, there is a renewed sense of optimism in the green-half of Edinburgh.
Stephen Glass’ Aberdeen – like Hibs – would have gone into the season with a hope of finishing third. A run of just two wins in 13 league games saw the Dons drop into ninth at one stage, however, a run of wins before the break has given the Pittodrie faithful hope they could still clinch European football next season.
While some key players have been linked with moves away from Aberdeen in the January window, Glass will be hopeful of replacing any potential departures and adding to his impressive summer additions which included Scott Brown and Christian Ramirez.
In stark contrast to that optimism at Easter Road and Pittodrie will be the disappointment at Tannadice Park that saw Dundee United fall from third to seventh. Five consecutive defeats before the winter break may be cause for concern among some fans but the club’s impressive start to the season under another new manager, Thomas Courts.
Taking four points from their initial ties with Rangers and Celtic in August and September, plus an unbeaten run of seven games, should serve as a reminder that United could still challenge in the bid to seal European football next season.
Relegation battle
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The video you are trying to watch cannot be viewed from your current country or locationSt Johnstone, Dundee, Ross County, St Mirren and Livingston are on the agenda as the relegation battle is discussed on our mid-season review show
St Johnstone find themselves in the unenviable position of being bottom – a surprise to many after winning a historic League Cup and Scottish Cup double last season.
This season, manager Callum Davidson has watched his side lose 12 league games, including seven on the bounce, with their last win coming back in October.
Davidson has moved early in the transfer window to try and solve his team’s problems in front of goal too with St Johnstone having scored just 11 goals in 20 matches so far this season.
Dundee – who only returned to the Premiership this season – are just two points above the Saints and will need their experienced players like captain Charlie Adam and Paul McGowan to help avoid an instant return to the Championship.
Ross County took until October to get a first league win of the season after overcoming Covid-19 issues and an overhaul to their squad and find themselves just clear of the relegation spots.
A new-look XI and change in formation took time to settle but it is clear the Staggies are finding their feet under Malky Mackay following his summer arrival.
It remains to be seen if they can stay clear of the bottom two – something Livingston and St Mirren will also be hoping for when the action gets back underway.
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