Scottish Premiership 2026/27 title race: can Celtic or Rangers come out on top?
Celtic head into the 2026/27 campaign as defending champions after edging Hearts to the title on the final day of last season. Martin O’Neill returns to lead the champions, while Rangers begin a new era under Derek McInnes following an ambitious summer rebuild that has reignited belief around Ibrox.
With both Glasgow rivals strengthening during the transfer window and another Scottish Premiership season about to begin, many observers expect one of the closest title races in recent memory.
Why this Scottish Premiership title race feels different
Celtic have set the standard in Scottish football through consistency, squad depth and an ability to deliver when the pressure is highest. Last season’s dramatic title triumph only reinforced their reputation as the team everyone else has to beat.
Hearts deserve enormous credit after pushing Celtic all the way last season. However, the departures of Derek McInnes, Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin have made another title challenge appear less likely, while the club begins a new era under Wouter Vrancken, shifting the spotlight firmly back to the Old Firm.
That leaves Celtic and Rangers as the leading contenders for the Premiership trophy once again.
Celtic vs Rangers: who has the stronger squad?
The champions have kept much of the squad that lifted the trophy last season while adding further quality, including striker Kasper Høgh. Although the transfer window remains open and further arrivals or departures are still possible, continuity remains one of Celtic’s biggest strengths.
Rangers have chosen a different approach.
A major rebuild has brought in players such as Lawrence Shankland, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and several other additions, giving Derek McInnes significantly greater depth throughout the squad.
The biggest question is whether so many new signings can adapt quickly enough. If Rangers find chemistry early, they could pose Celtic’s biggest domestic challenge in years.
The transfers that could decide the championship
Transfer business often shapes title races long before the decisive fixtures arrive.
Celtic have preferred evolution instead of revolution. The arrival of Kasper Høgh adds another option in attack, while the club continues to monitor the market ahead of the transfer deadline. At the same time, speculation surrounding players such as Reo Hatate and Alistair Johnston means further business cannot be ruled out before the window closes.
The final weeks of the transfer window could still influence the balance between Scotland’s two biggest clubs.
Early Scottish Premiership title odds
Although prices are likely to fluctuate before the transfer window closes, most bookmakers continue to make Celtic slight favourites to retain the Scottish Premiership title.
As always, injuries, late transfers and early-season performances are likely to reshape the market before the first Old Firm derby.
Key moments that could shape the title race
A fast start could prove crucial.
Rangers will be desperate to avoid losing ground while a rebuilt squad settles into Derek McInnes’ tactical system. Celtic, meanwhile, will aim to build on the confidence gained from last season’s dramatic title success.
European football may also become a decisive factor. Both clubs face demanding schedules, and balancing domestic commitments with continental competition could test the depth of each squad as the campaign progresses.
The festive fixture list and the post-split matches are also expected to play a decisive role if the title race remains as close as many expect.
