SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP: CELTIC INDIFFERENT FORM CONTINUES

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Celtic have been consistently inconsistent in the opening weeks of the new Scottish Premiership and things would have to improve rapidly if they want to wrestle the league title from grasp of arch rivals Rangers. Celtic had won nine straight league titles in the Scottish top flight and were favourites to win an unprecedented tenth title in a row before Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and his Rangers players put a stop to that quest by winning the Scottish Premiership title last season.

Rangers have not been invincible in the league this season just like last season but they are still the team to beat after securing the Scottish Premiership summit after seven games. For Celtic, their indifferent form has seen them lose further grounds on Rangers in the past two games.

Celtic are now six points adrift of Rangers after seven league games only after losing five points over the last two games. They were just two points off Rangers when they thrashed Ross County 3-0 at home in their fifth league game this season but they could not build on that good result thanks to the 1-0 defeat at the hands of host team Livingston. Scottish striker Andrew Shinnie scored the only goal of the match on 25 minutes to give Livingston a big win over their more illustrious opponents.

Immediate past Scottish champions Celtic were able to bounce back from the Livingston defeat by booking their place in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals thanks to the 3-0 home win over 10-man Raith Rovers during their quarterfinal tie. In league terms, Celtic made it two games without a win with the 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United on Sunday with the two goal coming in the space of two minutes. Israeli winger Liel Abada gave Celtic the lead on 16 minutes and it was cancelled out by the equaliser from Ian Harkes for the visitors on 18 minutes.

As things stand, Celtic are in sixth position with 12 points from seven league games, while Rangers are in first position with 18 points from the same number of games.