Squeeky Bum Time in Scotland
By: Ian Rose | May 19th, 2008Like seemingly every other league in Europe in this fantastic May of football, the SPL will come down to the final day. Rangers just completed a makeup match victory over St. Mirren, 3-0, that brings them even on points with Celtic, at 86 apiece. But, like the Premier League down south, there is goal difference to consider. Even with today’s win, Celtic have a four-goal advantage over their bitter rivals in blue, so without an absolute goalfest on the last day, Rangers now need help to claim the title.
I love the Scottish game. Only in Scotland, only in this ridiculous, fantastic, completely messy league would the clinching final day be a Thursday. On Thursday, the final three matches of the season will be played. Hibs v. Motherwell, which was set up a month ago to be a great UEFA Cup qualifying final, is now meaningless for both. Well have secured Europe, and Hibs are out, no matter what. The other two matches will decide the SPL champion. Celtic travel to Dundee to take on United, and a win will essentially clinch the title. Rangers are also away, to Aberdeen, whose fans are, next to Celtic, the least Rangers-friendly in the country. Dons have had a very tough season, and now sit in a disappointing 6th place. If they win, they have the chance not only to deny Rangers the title (sweet indeed for Dons fans), but also to rise as high as 4th, depending on other results. In short, Rangers are not going to walk through Aberdeen. It is going to be a tough, foul-heavy match that Aberdeen will believe they can win outright.
We’ll be watching Thursday. All I could ever wish for, as a fan of the SPL, is a league decided on the final day, and that’s what I got, so I’m happy. Whichever of the Old Firm take home the title, it’s been a great season. Let’s see some fireworks for the last matches.
Category: Scottish Premier League
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Comments | Add your comment
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I’d take Celtic winning the league in March every year to be honest…:D
But if it is to be, C’MON THE HOOPS!
Posted from
United States
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Well, you cant say this season has had a dull conclusion. Between one team going out of existence and another desperately needing the points, it’s down to the last game with both teams needing a win. More importantly, Rangers need to put goals past Aberdeen to make up the 7 goals that might well make the crucial difference (remember the 2002/03 season?).
It’ll be a gala day right enough. I reckon Celtic will do it. Like Matt, if it’s got to be one of the two, give me Celtic any day. ‘Mon the Dons, ‘mon the Bhoys!
Posted from
Netherlands -
Actually, Seb, it’s only four goals now, after Rangers’ 3-0 win today, but your point stands. They’re not going to win by five and have Celtic only win by one - it’s not going to happen, so they really need United to take points from Celtic. It’ll be a really good day of football.
Posted from
United States -
what a great year for last day drama.
Posted from
United States -
I think a point that needs to be brought up is that Rangers are not exactly an attacking team, yet they probably will be looking to put the petal to the metal against the sheep. This could possibly leave them open to an Aberdeen counter. Do you think Smith will just try and get the win or will he try and make up the goal differential?
Posted from
United States -
I don’t think he’ll go all-out unless he gets an early lead. Today, they should have pressed harder, since they scored in the 4th from Kris Boyd, and after they went up 2-0, it could have easily been 4 or 5, which would have made things even more interesting.
Posted from
United States -
woot! forza celtic!
Posted from
United States
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