Can Aberdeen Upset Celtic? Key Players Naderi and Bartley Take Center Stage!

The midweek Scottish Premiership fixtures are set to deliver crucial matchups that could shape the title race, particularly with Rangers facing Kilmarnock and Celtic travelling to Aberdeen. Both teams aim to capitalise on Heart of Midlothian's recent slip-up, while Motherwell seeks to close the gap with a pivotal match against Dundee. Additionally, Marvin Bartley takes charge of Livingston for the first time, presenting a significant moment for the club. These games are critical, as they not only impact standings but also the managerial dynamics at play.

Last updated: 31 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Scottish Premiership is heating up with midweek matches that could have significant implications for the title race. Rangers host Kilmarnock, who recently ended a 17-game winless streak, while Celtic faces a challenging away game at Aberdeen. Both teams are looking to exploit Heart of Midlothian's recent draw against St Mirren, which has opened the door for a tighter race at the top. Meanwhile, Marvin Bartley begins his managerial reign at Livingston amidst their struggle at the bottom of the table.

Key takeaways

Rangers and Celtic aim to close the gap to Hearts with decisive wins.
Kilmarnock seeks to build on their first win in 17 games against Rangers.
Aberdeen continues to search for a permanent manager, affecting their performance.
Marvin Bartley takes on his first managerial role at Livingston amid their relegation struggles.
Motherwell hopes to capitalise on potential dropped points by the Old Firm.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2023-24 Scottish Premiership season, several key events have shaped the current landscape:

August 2023: The season begins with the usual excitement and high expectations for the Old Firm.
September 2023: Hearts secure a spot at the top of the table, creating a competitive dynamic.
October 2023: Rangers struggle with form, resulting in managerial speculation surrounding Danny Rohl.
October 2023: Celtic appoint Martin O'Neill, who faces the task of revitalising the squad.
31 October 2023: Midweek fixtures take place, with critical implications for title aspirations.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Rangers are expected to integrate new signing Ryan Naderi into their squad, raising questions about their attacking strategy. Meanwhile, Celtic's squad is bolstered by the return of defender Auston Trusty, providing O'Neill with more options against a tough Aberdeen side.

What was already established

Hearts' recent draw against St Mirren has provided an opportunity for both Rangers and Celtic to challenge for the title. Kilmarnock's recent form remains a concern, although their first win in several weeks could signal a turnaround.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The outcomes of these matches could affect local economies, particularly in areas surrounding the clubs, where matchday revenue is significant. Increased attendance and engagement could provide a much-needed boost for local businesses.

Businesses and jobs

For clubs like Livingston, the management changes may impact player performance and recruitment strategies. The appointment of Marvin Bartley could lead to new approaches that might attract investment and improve performance, which is crucial for their survival in the league.

Policy and regulation

As clubs navigate changes in management and performance, the Scottish Premiership may see discussions around regulations concerning managerial appointments and support for clubs at risk of relegation.

Numbers that matter

17: The number of league games Kilmarnock went without a win before their recent victory.
0: The goals scored by Rangers in their last match against Hibernian, highlighting their attacking struggles.
3: The points gap that could close between Celtic and Hearts with a win at Aberdeen.
1: The number of managerial appointments at Aberdeen since Jimmy Thelin's departure, with Peter Leven currently filling the role.
6-2: Kilmarnock’s recent victory margin over Livingston, showcasing their potential despite prior failures.

Definitions and jargon buster

Old Firm: The term used to refer to the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, two of Scotland's most successful football clubs.
xG: Expected Goals, a metric that estimates the likelihood of a goal being scored based on the quality of the chances created.
Interim manager: A temporary manager appointed to oversee a team until a permanent replacement is found.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the fixtures progress, teams will need to find consistency. Rangers and Celtic must secure wins to maintain pressure on Hearts, while Kilmarnock and Livingston will need to build on recent performances to avoid relegation battles.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The next few months will be crucial for teams like Aberdeen, who must secure a permanent manager to ensure stability. Performance will need to be closely monitored as teams approach the winter transfer window.

Signals to watch

Match results for Rangers and Celtic against lower-placed teams.
Kilmarnock's upcoming fixtures to assess their ability to build on recent success.
Managerial changes at clubs like Aberdeen and Livingston that could signal shifts in strategy.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep an eye on player performances, especially new signings like Ryan Naderi.
Monitor how interim managers adapt their strategies in crucial matches.
Follow local business impacts related to matchday attendance and spending.

Don’t

Overlook the potential for upsets in matches involving lower-ranked teams.
Assume that managerial changes will instantly lead to improved results.
Neglect the importance of fan engagement during challenging times for clubs.

Checklist

Review the latest squad updates and injury reports before each match.
Analyse team form and head-to-head statistics for insights.
Consider the implications of match outcomes on league standings.
Stay informed about off-field developments, including managerial changes.
Observe community responses to clubs' performances and management decisions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The current situation in the Scottish Premiership is fluid, with managerial appointments and player performances subject to rapid change. Teams like Aberdeen may still face struggles in finding the right leadership, while the performance of clubs at the bottom, such as Livingston, remains uncertain. Ongoing scrutiny of managerial decisions could lead to further disruptions in the league standings.

Bottom line

The midweek fixtures in the Scottish Premiership hold the potential to significantly impact the title race and relegation battles. With both Rangers and Celtic looking to gain ground on Hearts, and clubs like Kilmarnock and Livingston fighting for survival, the stakes are high. The outcomes could reshape the landscape of Scottish football as we approach the critical winter months.

FAQs

What does the term 'Old Firm' refer to?

The term 'Old Firm' refers to the historic rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, two of the most successful football clubs in Scotland.

Who is Marvin Bartley?

Marvin Bartley is the new manager of Livingston, taking over from David Martindale, and this marks his first managerial role in the top flight.

Why are managerial changes significant in the Scottish Premiership?

Managerial changes can greatly impact team performance, strategies, and morale, making them a focal point for discussions around league dynamics.