‘Incredible’ – Hearts tipped to take advantage as Rangers and Celtic ‘implode’
Celtic have been tipped to face a big challenge in retaining their Scottish Premiership crown after a difficult start to the season.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side are looking to win their fifth straight league title, and currently sit top of the table on 13 points from five games.
However, the Celtic owners are facing heavy fan unrest for failing to properly invest in the squad, with some calling for them to sell the club.
The Glasgow giants aren’t alone at the top of the Scottish Premiership either, with Hearts also on 13 points and only behind the title holders on goal difference.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Derek McInnes’ side have a real chance to push on.
Hearts could challenge Celtic, they can sustain their good form
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Hearts will be able to sustain their good form and could possibly challenge Celtic for the title if Rodgers’ side implode.
Last time out, the Edinburgh-based side beat Rangers 2-0, and are now already nine points clear of the Gers.
Wyness added that it would be great for Scottish football if the league could become more competitive.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Without a shadow of a doubt, it was a statement victory against Rangers.
“Look, Tony Bloom came in and predicted second. It’s funny, now it’s looking like it. But then again, if you cast your mind back to last season, Aberdeen were on this incredible winning streak at the start of the season.
“Everybody was telling the world that they were going to finish second. There was going to be no doubt about it. Then they dropped off dramatically. So it’s all about sustaining a run.
“Now, my own gut feeling is that Hearts can do that. I think they have the ability to sustain the run, and I think that it seems to be working well in terms of sharing information so far. It’s got off to a good start, and that can only be positive. I do think Hearts have got a chance to push on from there.
“If they can strengthen the squad even further in January, then great. It’s great for Scottish football if there is this chance. It’d be good if we got a competitive league. If Celtic are imploding as well, who knows? Maybe Hearts can challenge.”
Celtic star wants Premier League move
Meanwhile, Celtic could be bracing for offers from Premier League clubs for star right-back Alistair Johnston, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has made his desire to move to the English top flight clear, saying it would be a “dream” to play at that level.
Sources told Football Insider on 19 September that Celtic are strongly against letting Johnston leave in January.
However, if a Premier League club comes in for the defender, then he may push for the move, which would make it very hard for the Hoops to keep him.
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