Hearts tipped to take advantage as Rangers and Celtic 'implode'
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Credit: Imago/Getty
Alex Oakhill
Sun 21 September 2025 20:00, UK
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 are doing well under Derek McInnes (Credit Imago)
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.
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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.
“Now, my own gut feeling is that Hearts can do that.
I do think Hearts have got a chance to push on from there.
It’s great for Scottish football if there is this chance.
It’d be good if we got a competitive league.
Maybe Hearts can challenge.”
Meanwhile, Celtic could be bracing for offers from Premier League clubs for star right-back Alistair Johnston, sources have told Football Insider.
Credit: Getty Images
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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