Celtic Bracing Themselves For Scottish Premiership Challenge – But Not From Rangers

Brendan Rodgers knows his Celtic side have not hit the desired heights this season so far.

Not by a long shot.

The Hoops may be unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership so far from their opening six fixtures but their performances have left plenty to be desired from the fanbase.

The support are also in the midst of a mass protest against the boardroom following a less than stellar transfer window this summer which had them accusing the higher-ups of falling asleep at the wheel.

That has come from elimination from the Champions League despite facing Kazakhstani minnows in their playoff tie while they have struggled to a whopping four goalless draws already this term which is unacceptable.

Brendan Rodgers has come under fire from some sections of the support for his tactical stubbornness, but the Irishman on the whole, has survived any real questions.

Can Hearts challenge Celtic?

And that is perhaps down to the fact that rivals Rangers are in trouble of their own.

Russell Martin continues to fight fires within his own support with sack demands coming on a weekly basis.

Gers have only won one of their opening six league matches and currently sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership table with seven points from a possible 18.

If Rodgers had a stronger Rangers biting at his side’s heels, perhaps he would be feeling the heat.

Instead, the title challenge – early on, anyway – has come from another club whose consistency in the division has been excellent so far.

Hearts have started their campaign like a house on fire and are in tremendous form early doors.

Derek McInnes took over last season but this term his side have really found their groove and have picked up maximum points from five out of six fixtures in the league.

Hearts want to split top two in Scottish Premiership

Last weekend many supporters considered their 3-0 victory over Falkirk at Tynecastle as one of the most dominant performances they have seen from their club in years.

And that has only amped up the excitement from punters who have listened to investor Tony Bloom’s promise that he wants the Gorgie club challenging for trophies sooner rather than later.

The Jambos are yet to tackle Celtic head on this season but they passed their first serious test when Hearts beat Rangers on their own patch at Ibrox.

Captain Lawrence Shankland found the back of the net twice to silence the Gers fans and put the rest of the league on notice to suggest that Hearts were not just at the top to make up the numbers.

It remains to be seen whether or not Hearts can maintain this sort of form long enough to have the reigning champions sweating.

But the promising start will go a long way to spook Rangers and give Celts something to really think about.