Friday 16 January 2015 09:31, UK
With Celtic stuttering and Aberdeen flying, we take a look at what is happening in Scotland, and why this could be the most exciting title race in years.
Since Rangers’ troubles began, the competitiveness of the Scottish top flight has suffered, and Celtic looked set for a era of domination, while their old foe made the long journey to the top flight.
Three straight league titles under Neil Lennon looked set to become four this season after new boss Ronny Deila enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season, but just after the halfway juncture of the 2014/15 campaign, Celtic sit four points behind unlikely leaders Aberdeen.
The Dons were the last side other than Rangers or Celtic to win the title in Scotland - when Sir Alex Ferguson managed them to the 1984/85 title. Can they do it again in 2015? And where has it all gone wrong for Celtic?
Champions League exit still fresh?
It was an incredible reprieve. After a humbling 6-1 aggregate defeat to Polish champions Legia Warsaw in the Champions League qualification second-round, Celtic were awarded the tie after the Poles fielded an illegible player – an astonishing stroke of luck.
However, defeat against Slovenians NK Maribor in the following play-off meant that Deila’s men missed out on their third successive Champions League campaign, and the ramifications have been hard to rectify.
Europa League football has meant long trips and a huge disruption to their league schedule, and even though Deila has this week spoken of wanting to trim his squad, so much football takes its toll.
The Bhoys’ busy schedule has led to them taking a winter break for the second successive season in order to freshen the legs of the weary squad. A sensible option or a sign of desperation?
Credible challengers emerging?
It would be almost churlish to ignore the fact that Celtic have had it easy since Rangers had to reform, but now we are starting to see other clubs mounting a sustained challenge to Celtic’s crown, with one in particular reliving the glory days of old.
Aberdeen enjoyed their most successful era under former Manchester United supremo Ferguson, with back-to-back league titles following a Europen Cup Winners’ Cup success in 1983. Now, after a long period of obscurity, the Dons sit top of the pile after an incredible run of seven straight wins, without conceding a goal in the process.
The division’s top scorers Dundee United and in-form Inverness Caledonian Thistle are also just one point behind second-placed Celtic, meaning Deila's side certainly have it all to do when they return from their winter retreat.
What can we expect for the title run-in?
Many have dismissed Aberdeen's chance of success, insisting that normal service will be resumed when Celtic find their rhythm, but it may not be so simple. Celtic won the league with 99 points last season, but the previous campaign the Glasgow giants mustered just 70 points when Motherwell, the nearest challengers, notched a meek 63.
With Aberdeen in the form they are in, they could surpass the 80-point mark, meaning Celtic cannot afford too many slip-ups.
Also, interest is mounting in star defender Virgil van Dijk, and with the January transfer window open, Deila could lose an integral part of his title-chasing squad.
Cetlic’s forward line is also struggling to make an impression. Serbian summer signing Stefan Scepovic has struggled to settle in Scotland, John Guidetti and Anthony Stokes have been in and out of the goals, and efforts from midfield have dried up.
Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen, meanwhile, have grasped their opportunity with both hands. Niall McGinn in the form of his life, Adam Rooney has 19 goals in all competitions this season, and their defence have been beaten just 17 times in 21 matches.
It may not be a changing of the guard, but there is no doubt Celtic’s recent domination of the Scottish game is under threat this year. Tenuous link anyone? Two of the three years Marty McFly visited in Back to the Future (1955, 1985 and 2015) Aberdeen became league champions. Will the Dons complete the set?
Watch Hamilton v Celtic live on Sky Sports 3 HD from 12.30pm on Saturday
