As we are more than halfway through the Scottish footballing season, I believe it’s time we take a trip around the four Scottish leagues and delve into the standings. Which teams are leading the way? Who is battling relegation? Could some surprises still be in store?
Firstly, a look at the Scottish Premiership, which has become one arguably of the most exciting seasons for a long time. Hearts are leading the way and currently sitpretty at the top of the table-after Derek McInnes was appointed in August, Hearts have become a force to be reckoned with. With 15 wins under their belts, the Jambos are showing no signs of letting up. Having defeated nearly everyone in the league on more than one occasion, with the only exception coming as Motherwell- a team they have mustered a draw with on both occasions- Hearts look destined to lift the trophy at the end of the season. However, with more than 12 games to go, you might need a crystal ball to assert a confident predication.
Hearts may be heating the top spot; however, the Old Firm are hot on their heels. Both Rangers and Celtic have bucked up performances of late and are quickly picking up points. With the gap growing closer- one win for Rangers and two for Celtic would see them draw level with the Edinburgh side- it’s difficult to call mid-table this season as the points difference between fourth and eighth has grown over the recent weeks. Motherwell sit comfortably in fourth with 37 points and Aberdeen take eighth place with 25 points, the teams in-between consist of Hibs, Falkirk and Dundee United. I feel Motherwell, Hibs and Falkirk will probably complete the top six this season, unless a team below has a remarkable run or one of the three listed falls off form.
The bottom of the table has become a bit of a scramble. Dundee find themselves in ninth, close to the danger zone but not immediately impacted by it, whereas St Mirren are a few poor results away from tumbling down into the play off position. Kilmarnock are currently holding the relegation play-off spot, but having just assumed a new manager in Neil McCann, they will require time to improve results. Livingston, however, are close to cementing relegation sitting rock bottom of the table with a mere ten points. That’s not to suggest they can’t crawl their way out, but the Lions would require one almighty charge to do so. With the Premiership heating up, all anyone can do is sit back and enjoy the ride all whilst single handedly hoping their teams can do enough to lift trophies, secure European football and avoid relegation- all tasks with a little nail biting pressure involved!
The Championship never disappoints and this season is no different. Former Premiership side St Johnstone are holding steady at the top of the table, and under Simo Valakari have produced an outstanding defensive record, as well as a stellar attacking threat. Partick Thistle are creeping up behind them, and with five points separating the two teams they will both be vying for the title. Arbroath are sitting comfortably in third spot, and the part-time team look like strong contenders for a play-off spot at the close of the season.
Fourth to eighth could be the place to watch as just nine points separate Ayr, Dunfermline Athletic, Raith Rovers, Greenock Morton and Airdrie. The standings couldn’t be closer; all teams will be gearing up to battle for the coveted fourth spot which would guarantee play-off football.
The two bottom teams are equally in with the chance of climbing up the table as the points difference is totally manageable. (One win could see both teams jump one place respectively). Queen’s Park -although having a dismal defensive record- have still mustered 18 points so far, yet find themselves up for relegation. Ross County are the team which may have provided the biggest shock this season given the former Premiership team currently sits in the automatic relegation spot with 16 points. Once again, the standings couldn’t be tighter and one great run is all it takes for teams desperately seeking points to slowly pick them up.
League One is more of a three-horse race in nearly every aspect! The title race is essentially comprising of three teams: Stenhousemuir, Inverness CT, and Queen of the South. All three are within just three points of each other and it looks as though this title race will go straight to the wire. Every time one of these three picks up points, the others respond and when one drops off, another is sprinting up behind them.
The middle of this table is a lot more congested on points- six points separate Alloa Athletic, Peterhead, East Fife and Montrose. These four teams have all struggled in their own right- most have struggled defensively and some are without a victory in four matches. As congested as it is, all four teams have the ability to slide either up or down the table and only time, and a bit of luck, will tell.
The bottom of the table is just as congested as the middle with four points separating the bottom three. All three have struggled to maintain a level of consistency so far this season. Cove Rangers, Hamilton Accies and Kelty Hearts all have a dog fight at their feet if they aim to remain in League One next season.
Although the lowest league in Scotland’s tiered system, some might claim it could be the most enthralling. League Two has certainly become a one-horse race with Spartans FC rearing in front of everyone else and with an eight-point gap and a team showing no sign of letting up, have they as good as sealed a place in League One?
From second to eighth it could go anyway and where teams finish will be purely down to consistency and possibly a boost from the footballing gods. East Kilbride, Clyde, Stranraer, Forfar, Stirling Albion, Annan Athletic and Elgin City have only nine points separating them. This easily takes the cake as the most congested mid-table this season.
The bottom two almost look to have their fates sealed, however a never say dieattitude has to be applied to both teams. Both Dumbarton and Edinburgh City both received points deductions this season. Although both remain at the bottle of the table and are winless in three matches, a few wins could edge them out of the danger zone.
In a season full of twists and turns, long may the excitement continue and by the end of the season we will have our champions! I’m all in favour of a surprise along the way and if one manifested before the end of the season then who knows, it may spoil a few parties or save a few skins.
Four teams have received points deductions this season: Hamilton Accies, Inverness CT, Dumbarton FC and Edinburgh City FC.
I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.
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