In findings published by US-based sports and analytics website, FiveThirtyEight, Rangers are ranked above Celtic.
The table is compiled using advanced statistics to make predictions on how 636 clubs around the world are likely to fare.
The standings were updated yesterday and Rangers sit in 92nd. That’s a whole 14 places above 106th-placed Celtic.
The Light Blues have a Soccer Power Index score of 64.2 in comparison to the Hoops’ 62.0.
That rating is based on the number of goals each team is deemed likely to score against an average team at a neutral venue.
It’s suggested that Rangers are likely to score 1.9 goals and concede 1.1, while Celtic would net 1.6 and concede 0.9.
Meanwhile, the next highest ranked SPL club is Kilmarnock, in 303rd.
Verdict
There’s bound to be plenty of movement with these stats across the season, as they are updated after every match. However, even if it’s early days yet, it’s nice to see the Gers ranked the highest of all Scottish clubs.
So far, everything has been positive in terms of Rangers’ pre-season efforts. The club has won all of their fixtures so far, with new signings getting minutes in the legs and a first-teamer making a long-awaited Ibrox comeback.
With two Old Firm victories last term, there’s no doubt Rangers have closed the gap. This season, it’s time to produce results that put them above Celtic not just in these rankings, but in the SPL table.
