This Scottish Premiership season has been a whirlwind, from unexpected league leaders in Hearts, to a crumbling Celtic, and to top it all off many teams have become unforeseen European contenders!

Looking forward to the second spell of this highly enticing league, there are three teams I believe are worth looking out for. From title challengers to relegation contenders, there still much to play for.

Rangers are a side who have experienced their fair share of turmoil this season. They had an exceptionally rocky start to their campaign under the leadership of Russell Martin. During the Martin era (which lasted a total of 123 days) Rangers mustered just five wins from 17 games – a sight Rangers fans were rightly furious with. Russell was subsequently sacked and replaced with Danny Röhl, and under his leadership Rangers appear to be on a roll. Since Röhl took the helm, Rangers have boosted themselves up to second- mostly going about their business in an understated manner. As it stands, they have crept up on League leaders Hearts and have overtaken Glasgow rivals, Celtic.

If Rangers are able to utilise the January transfer window to the max and attract some fresh legs and faces, then they could be serious contenders for a title challenge.  Rangers will have to muster some massive results against mainstay oppositions: high flying Motherwell, League leaders Hearts and another Derby win would most certainly maintain confidence. The coming months of fixtures will be imperative for the Glasgow side.

They not only have League business to be shored up. A Europa League run and Scottish Cup silverware would certainly squash any lingering concerns surrounding Röhl. It all rests in Rangers hands and given they have only suffered one defeat in 13 league games, their prospects of potential silverware appear pretty hopeful – if they continue on an upward trajectory.

Motherwell, under the leadership of Jens Berthel Askou, have been a force to reckon with, being one of this season’s biggest underdogs. The Fir Park faithful will be filled with belief that the Steelmen could compete in Europe next season if they maintain their momentum. Similarly, those who have supported Motherwell for years will be fully aware that a season can change on a dime and a few poor results can knock confidence, however this piece is about optimism, so I’ll stick with it.

Motherwell have asserted themselves as high flyers this season currently sitting in fourth- with only nine points separating first and fourth. I won’t get ahead of myself and claim there is a four-way title race, but Motherwell have taken care of business effectively and stylishly. With 30 points already this season, the Steelmen appear to be well on the way (pardon the pun) to securing another ambitious points tally.

The only aspect missing from a remarkable season is a piece of silverware and with the style of football they are playing, there is not better opportunity to make your mark. They have already faltered once this season in the League Cup semi-final and with the Scottish Cup on the horizon, eyes will be firmly on the prize. Motherwell have proven themselves to be the dark horse of the season and a team that could continue to soar.

Tumbling towards the bottom of the table is where we find David Martindale’s Livingston. It’s been another strenuous season so far for the promoted Championship side. With just one win under their belt this season, the Championship is looking like their final destination.

Defensively Livi have let themselves down on many occasions and have taken some battering results along the way. However, they have also looked like a team who given an opportunity would punish you. They displayed such qualities just a few weeks ago as they led Celtic twice in a six-goal thriller, though this result didn’t quite go their way, it left some encouraging signs. If Livingston shored up defensively and avoided as many clumsy mistakes, they could possibly drag themselves to safety. In attacking threat they do possess decent quality and could easily register some goals. Martindale has been honest that performances haven’t been up to scratch, but with over 15 games to go anything could happen.

For Livingston to avoid relegation though, they must improve their performances and rely upon some favours from other teams. To clamber out of automatic relegation zone they require Kilmarnock to drop at least four points, yet the even taller order to guarantee safety is for St Mirren to lose nine points. Both, as it stands, appear to be an uphill battle, but I’m all in favour of a great underdog story and as the saying goes ‘when the going gets tough- the tough get going’. If Livingston can manage such a feat, it would be an astounding story.

With plenty more action to come, this season can only become more enthralling and I for one can’t wait to watch how the final few months play out. Will the underdogs have their moment and who will be the title deciders?

Louise Davidson

I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.