Andy Walker detects 3 advantages Celtic have over Rangers before ball is kicked

Andy Walker insists Celtic already have THREE major advantages over Rangers before a ball is kicked this season.

The Hoops have dominated Scottish football for more than a decade and their incredible trophy success has seen them move within one title of Gers’ cherished 55. Four-in-a-row will see them equal the Ibrox club’s proud feat, while Celts can also become the most decorated club in Scotland if they lift more silverware than their bitter rivals in 2024/25.

Brendan Rodgers has won nine of ten available trophies across his two spells at Parkhead and has set his sights on another famous campaign in Glasgow. But Rangers boss Philippe Clement will attempt to create his own history after being tasked with wrestling the league crown back from the east end of Glasgow.

While Celtic have yet to open the chequebook this summer, Clement has added six new faces as he overhauls an underachieving squad. But the Belgian faces an unexpected hurdle during the opening period of the season as Rangers scramble to find a temporary new home for at least the month of August due to Ibrox redevelopment delays.

Walker knows what it feels like to play in unfamiliar territory as he was part of the Celtic side that spent a year at Hampden as Parkhead was rebuilt. And while the former striker accepts it’s not an ideal situation for the Light Blues, Walker claims the Double-winners already have the edge ahead of the new term.

He told BBC Sportsound: “I think Celtic have got an advantage because they are a better team. They are a well-oiled machine and I’m sure they’ll get a few signings in the bag before the season kicks off. They’ve got a number of positions that they want to strengthen.

“Brendan Rodgers has come in and I thought did really well towards the end of the season when it looked as though the league might slip away. As long as they get the players in, they’ve got a financial advantage, a financial muscle that Rangers are struggling to compete with.

“I think that’s the key to everything. Obviously it doesn’t help if you’re not playing in familiar surroundings and whether it’s Hampden or Murrayfield, you’ll just lose a bit of an edge to your game I think.”