The Scottish Women's Premier League (SWPL) is heating up, and this weekend's Rangers-Celtic derby could be a make-or-break moment for both Glasgow giants. But here's the twist: despite their historic rivalry, neither team is currently in a position to challenge for the title. With leaders Glasgow City pulling away, Rangers and Celtic find themselves in an unusual predicament—fighting to stay relevant in the title race rather than leading it.
This season has been a rollercoaster for both clubs. Rangers, sitting in fifth place, are nine points behind Glasgow City, while Celtic, in third, are six points adrift. And this is the part most people miss: despite Rangers’ 2-0 victory over Celtic earlier this season, they’ve struggled to maintain consistency. Injuries, a depleted squad, and a lack of home advantage at Ibrox have left them trailing. Head coach Leanne Crichton admits her tenure has been “challenging,” with the team dropping crucial points, including a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Heart of Midlothian after a slow start.
Celtic, meanwhile, haven’t fared much better. Despite a solid away win over Hearts, they’ve stumbled against their main rivals, losing to both Rangers and Glasgow City at home. Controversially, head coach Elena Sadiku has hinted at a lack of investment in the women’s side, echoing past complaints from the men’s team. “Teams are investing strongly, and we need to push in the same direction,” she said, sparking debate about whether Celtic’s ambitions match their resources.
Friday’s derby at Ibrox isn’t just about pride—it’s about survival in the title race. With Glasgow City expected to win against Montrose on Sunday, both Rangers and Celtic need a victory to stay within striking distance. But here’s the question: can either team turn their season around, or is this the year the Old Firm rivalry takes a backseat to the league leaders?
Crichton sees this game as a “brilliant opportunity” for Rangers to regain momentum, while Sadiku believes Celtic’s “strong belief” will outweigh tactical concerns. Yet, with the SWPL tighter than ever, even a win might not be enough to close the gap. As Sadiku puts it, “Playing against Rangers is more than just a game”—it’s a chance to prove they’re still contenders.
What do you think? Is Sadiku right to call out Celtic’s investment, or should the focus be on performance? And can Rangers or Celtic realistically challenge Glasgow City this season? Let us know in the comments below!
For more insights, tune into the Women's Football Weekly podcast with Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie, available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds. Dive deeper into the Women's Super League and beyond at https://www.bbc.com/sounds/brand/p0bzmv49.
