Scottish champions Celtic set for surprising three-horse title race?

Following the demise of Celtic’s Old Firm rivals Rangers, the Bhoys have expectedly dominated domestically in the Scottish Premiership, but could they be surprisingly involved in a season-long three-horse race for the title this time out?

The Hoops clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish crown last term, with their closest challengers Aberdeen fading out during the campaign run-in, but they face a tougher test than initially expected in search of a fifth successive title.

With Europa League exploits potentially set to derail Ronny Deila’s men domestically this term, who are 10/3 with Coral to finish atop Group A, both Aberdeen and Hearts can pounce and capitalise to possibly make history.

No team other than Celtic or Rangers has lifted the country’s top tier trophy for 30 years, when Sir Alex Ferguson guided Aberdeen to the title in 1985 before moving on to ventures with Manchester United.

Three decades on from the Dons’ domestic triumph, they once again sit at the summit of Scotland’s top-flight table, with reigning champions Celtic faltering five points adrift after being recently conquered by the leaders.

Ferguson’s former club look the most capable of finally ending the Glasgow dominance at 9/1 to emerge victorious come next year, while Hearts will undoubtedly have a part to play in this three-way tussle.

As ever, any slight downfall at all during the Bhoys’ domestic campaign leads to eyebrows being raised, with every manager in charge at Parkhead expected to clinch domestic silverware success at a canter.