Scottish Premiership 2026/27 Predictions: Herrin Kendrick on Celtic, the Title Race and What Comes Next

The benchmark in Scottish football remains firmly established at Celtic Park, but the chasing pack is growing increasingly impatient. After securing a fifth consecutive league title in dramatic fashion on the final day of last season, Celtic enter the 2026/27 campaign facing a familiar paradox: they are the undisputed team to beat, yet the margin for error has never felt slimmer.

With intense scrutiny on the board’s transfer strategy, a rejuvenated challenge from Edinburgh, and a looming rebuild across the city at Ibrox, this upcoming campaign promises high drama. To break down what lies ahead, we sat down with Scottish Premiership expert Herrin Kendrick.

Herrin Kendrick, Scottish Premiership expert for BettingTips4you.com, believes Celtic remain the team to beat, but warns that complacency or a passive summer in the transfer market could severely jeopardise their crown.

Herrin, how do you see Celtic’s chances heading into the new Scottish Premiership season?

Herrin Kendrick: I see them as the rightful frontrunners, but they are entering a crucial transitional phase. Winning five titles in a row is an incredible achievement, and that championship DNA counts for a lot when the pressure mounts in April and May. Martin O’Neill understands exactly what it takes to sustain success at Parkhead, but last season’s relentless pursuit by Hearts showed that domestic dominance isn’t guaranteed anymore.

Celtic have the strongest foundation, but a new season resets everything. If they start sharply and settle their squad early, they will be incredibly difficult to dislodge. However, if they take their foot off the gas, they will be punished.

Are Celtic still clear favourites, or has the title race become more open?

Herrin Kendrick: They are still the clear favourites, primarily because of their immense squad depth and their formidable home record. Celtic Park remains a fortress, and over a 38-game season, that consistency at home is usually what secures titles.

That said, the gap is absolutely closing. The race is wider open than it has been in recent years; we aren’t looking at a procession anymore. Hearts proved last year that a well-drilled side can take the title fight down to the final weekend, and with managers across the league tactically evolving, Celtic will face much stiffer tests on the road this year.

What is the biggest thing Celtic need to get right before the season properly takes shape?

Herrin Kendrick: It’s all about navigating the summer transfer turbulence and finding stability. Right now, there is significant noise surrounding key players. When you have top talent like Arne Engels and Benjamin Nygren attracting serious interest from major European leagues, it naturally creates uncertainty in the dressing room.

The coaching staff need to know exactly what squad they have at their disposal before the competitive action kicks off. Fans looking for updates on pre-season schedules and squad numbers will be keeping a close eye on the Celtic official website over the coming weeks, hoping for definitive news that the core of this team is locked in and focused.

How important is the board’s transfer strategy this summer?

Herrin Kendrick: It is absolutely paramount, and the board is under an immense amount of pressure from the fanbase. There is a palpable anxiety among supporters that the club is hoarding cash rather than aggressively strengthening the playing squad to compete both domestically and in Europe.

We’ve seen plenty of debate in the media and online about whether the hierarchy will match the fans’ ambition. Some sectors of the support are worried that warnings rain down but the board will gamble our £40m again by opting for cheaper, unproven projects instead of established quality. They’ve been linked with creative solutions like Danish winger Jakob Breum and Bosnian playmaker Ivan Basic. Bringing in that kind of technical profile is vital, especially if Engels or Nygren move on. The board cannot afford a passive window.

Rangers will expect to close the gap. Do you see them as Celtic’s main threat?

Herrin Kendrick: Historically, yes, but they have a massive point to prove after slipping to a third-place finish behind Hearts last season. The arrival of Derek McInnes at Ibrox signals a total cultural shift. He’s a manager who knows this league inside out, and bringing in a proven goalscorer like Lawrence Shankland shows they mean business.

They are heavily restructuring—enquiring about physical, modern centre-backs like Sandefjord’s Zinedin Smajlovic to fix their defensive frailties. Rangers will undoubtedly be a more robust, disciplined outfit under McInnes, making them a major threat. However, they have to rebuild an entire defensive unit, which takes time. Celtic’s continuity gives them the upper hand early on.

“Rangers will be far more pragmatic and dangerous under Derek McInnes, but rebuilding a squad from the back up takes time. Celtic’s established chemistry is their greatest advantage.”

Which part of the Celtic squad gives you the most confidence?

Herrin Kendrick: The sheer variety and dynamism of their attacking options. Last season, when things got tight, players like Daizen Maeda stepped up with critical, decisive goals. The club also has immense power out wide with Sebastian Tounekti, who has settled brilliantly since his big-money move last year.

When Celtic are in full flow, their ability to transition quickly from midfield to attack is unmatched in Scotland. They have players who can unlock low blocks but are equally devastating on the counter-attack. That tactical flexibility in the final third is a luxury no other manager in the division possesses.

Is there one area where Celtic still look vulnerable?

Herrin Kendrick: The central defensive depth is a lingering concern. If there’s an injury to the starting pairing, the drop-off in terms of recovery pace and progressive passing is noticeable.

It’s telling that Celtic have gone head-to-head with Rangers in trying to secure Zinedin Smajlovic with a significant multi-million-pound bid. That tells you that Martin O’Neill recognises the need for an aerially dominant, composed defender who can play out from the back. If they fail to land a top-tier centre-back before the window shuts, a heavy fixture congestion could expose them defensively.

Outside Celtic and Rangers, which Scottish Premiership side could surprise people?

Herrin Kendrick: Keep a very close eye on Motherwell. Under the radar, they put together a phenomenal campaign last year to finish fourth and secure European football. Winger Elijah Just has been an absolute revelation, even taking his excellent club form onto the international stage at the World Cup. If Motherwell can keep hold of their key assets, they have the tactical identity to upset the traditional big clubs again.

Additionally, Hearts will remain incredibly strong under Wouter Vrancken. He was the Belgian Manager of the Year for a reason, and adding players like Sabri Guendouz means Tynecastle will be a brutal place for anyone to visit.

What kind of season are you expecting overall?

Herrin Kendrick: I think it’s going to be an attritional, highly competitive season. The mid-table clubs have significantly upgraded their recruitment structures. Teams like Hibernian and Aberdeen are spending wisely and won’t be easily rolled over.

We are going to see a lot more tactical pragmatism, meaning Celtic and Rangers will drop points in places they traditionally expect to win comfortably. It will be a season won by the squad that handles adversity the best, rather than the one that looks prettiest on the eye.

Final prediction: who wins the Scottish Premiership and why?

Herrin Kendrick: I am tipping Celtic to retain the trophy and claim their sixth consecutive title, but it will be a much tighter, bloodier battle than many anticipate.

Ultimately, it comes down to their experience in navigating the business end of the season and their superior depth in midfield. Even if they suffer a few bumps along the way or drop points during a heavy European schedule, they know how to win ugly when it matters most. Hearts and Rangers will push them all the way, but Celtic’s firepower will ultimately edge it.

Predicted Final Top Three Verdict

Position	Club	Key Factor
1st	Celtic	Elite attacking depth and vital big-game experience under pressure.
2nd	Hearts	Tactical continuity under Wouter Vrancken and a formidable Tynecastle environment.
3rd	Rangers	Improved defensive resilience under McInnes, but held back by a transitional squad phase.

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