'Celtic can only prolong it': BBC pundit outlines Rangers' no-lose scenario and tips unbeaten league season for Steven Gerrard

It’s not quite mathematically proven, although it’s everything else but and Rangers are on the cusp of being crowned SPFL Premiership champions.

The only way Steven Gerrard’s side can be caught now is by the most incredible volte-face and a side which has gone throughout the last 12 months with just one cup defeat – back in December to this weekend’s vanquished league opponents St Mirren – losing ALL of their remaining seven matches in the SPFL Premiership.

And even then, to catch them, second-placed Celtic would be required to win all of their own matches AND overturn the Ibrox side’s superior goal difference.

It’s about as improbable a series of events as possible and former Scotland striker James McFadden says all Celtic can do now is prolong the title coronation by winning at Tannadice – because he doubts Rangers will lose again this season.

Former Scotland internationalist and BBC pundit, James McFadden. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The Sportscene pundit explained: “Their form has been relentless the whole season – they haven’t let up and there has been times where they could have. There was probably a sticky spell around December and January in terms of performances – but they were still winning.

“Celtic have to go and try to win their game because they will want to prolong it. Rangers will win the league even if Celtic win all their games - Rangers aren’t going to lose all their games until the end of the season. The league is done.

“It’s about prolonging it and taking it that bit further – can Celtic take it to the split? Be the first to beat them in the league? No-one has done it to this point and I have to say it doesn’t look like anyone is going to do it either.”

Only St Mirren have done so in the past year across all competitions and after the Paisley side were beaten 3-0 Rangers are one point away from the title – where and when they confirm the trophy turnover is the next question – and one which doesn’t have a wrong answer at Ibrox according to McFadden.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 06: Ianis Hagi celebrates making it 3-0 with teammates during a Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and St Mirren at Ibrox Stadium, on March 06, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

He added: “Rangers can’t lose out of this – if Celtic lose at Tannadice they win the league. If they don’t, they have the chance to win it against their greatest rivals – there’s a no-lose scenario now for Rangers.”

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