It was the mad genius Gazza who boldly proclaimed "I never make predictions, and I never will", so with that in mind here goes.
Pre-season offers the chance to see the latest additions to Scottish football and both Celtic and Rangers have made significant additions to their squads. For the current champions, Scott Brown and Massimo Donatti look the most impressive and will surely form the heart of Celtic's midfield this season. Chris Killen and Scott McDonald haven't really been given a chance to show their worth yet, but the first-choice strikeforce at Parkhead next season is still anybody's guess. Presumably Hesselink will be partnered by one other from Miller, Zurawski, Riordan, McDonald or Killen. Although there's an abundance of choice, I still don't think there's as much class up front as Celtic fans would like.
At the back, Pressley seems the likeliest choice to partner McManus and I've got a feeling strikers throughout the country will be relishing the chance to take on Pressley, whose pace and positioning has looked suspect for some time now. However, it must be noted there's plenty of quality in Kennedy, Caldwell, Balde and O'Dea to step in should the need arise.
Wilson at right back is still unproven and perhaps that could be a problem area.
For me, Celtic's greatest asset this season is the number of players they have who are able to do that 'something' different to win a game. Nakamura, Brown, McGeady and Riordan are all match winners and Strachan will be hoping his strikers can put away the chances these players create, while the centre halves stay solid at the back.
Across the city, Rangers are unrecognisable from the team that started last season. New signings Cuellar, McCulloch and Darcheville look to be heading straight for the first team and, on what they've shown so far, should be good additions.
Broadfoot looks no better or worse than, say, Ian Murray, while Beasley and Gow haven't really been given their chance. Andy Webster will perhaps need to spend time on the bench but looks a good addition to the squad.
Rangers look solid and organised throughout, but are still lacking a creative edge. Ferguson apart, there doesn't appear to be anyone else in midfield who can pick a killer pass, although more creativity may come from the flanks through wide players such as Burke, Adam, Beasley and McCulloch.
With more signings undoubtedly on the way for both of the Old Firm, it's an extremely hard call to predict next season's champions. Rangers look good at the back and have a striker in Boyd who will score 20-plus goals every season. Celtic look strong in midfield and have more options from the bench.
I think it will go right to the wire and Rangers will win the league.
Elsewhere, I think Hearts and Hibs will take third and fourth, with Gretna being relegated.
Bring on season 07/08.
Random irritations:
The Steven Naismith saga
Jimmy Calderwood
David Murray's annual PR piece in today's papers
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3 comments:
An interesting, informed and well-balanced view of the SPL - until you reach your conclusion.
Celtic will have it sewn up by the split again!
I wouldn't be too sure about that Ginkers.
I think Celtic's defence may be their downfall, but I'm excied about seeing more of Scott Brown - he looks some player.
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