Chris Sutton believes Hearts are now favourites to win the SPFL title, insisting the Edinburgh side are in a far stronger position than both Celtic and Rangers as the season heads into its decisive final stretch.
The former Celtic striker was speaking after a weekend that saw Hearts emerge as the only side in the top three to take maximum points.
That result has left the Jambos in what Sutton describes as the “driving seat”, particularly with rivals set to take points off each other in the coming days.
Celtic still have eleven league matches to play, one more than their rivals due to a game in hand against Aberdeen on March 4.
Even so, Sutton is unconvinced that advantage will be enough to swing the balance back in their favour.
Rangers and Celtic meet in the derby this weekend, guaranteeing dropped points for at least one of the chasing pack, while Hearts host Aberdeen at Tynecastle with the chance to extend their lead.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Chris Sutton said his instinct tells him the title race is tilting towards the capital.
“Hearts are in the driving seat,” Sutton said. “My gut feeling is that all three sides will drop points on this run. I’d rather be where Hearts are, with the four-point gap on Rangers. Celtic have a game in hand, but Celtic don’t have the strength which they’ve had in previous seasons.
“I’m certainly sure Celtic have got to up their game if they want to win the title, but I just can’t see it for Celtic this season.”
Celtic lacks quality and depth in their squad, something not so common in years gone by. Poor transfer windows and an unwillingness to move forward have brought it to now.
The next few weeks will be decisive, but with momentum and a points cushion on their side, Sutton’s view is Hearts are now the team everyone else must catch.
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