How realistic is a non-Old Firm title challenge?

"With the mood at both clubs verging on turmoil, what are the chances of a team outside Glasgow taking advantage for the first time in 40 years? Image source, Getty Images Following the dreary derby stalemate at Ibrox, many were starting to feel Tony Bloom's bullish comments were not so outlandish. Last month, the Brighton & Hove Albion owner, who now has a 29% stake in Heart of Midlothian, said the Tynecastle club have a "very good chance of at least being second" this campaign."

"The Gorgie side are making use of Bloom's Jamestown Analytics software, which proved integral in Union Saint-Gilloise's remarkable rise to become Belgian top-flight champions for the first time in 90 years just last season. Despite that, Bloom's bold remarks were predictably sneered at across the country. A month later, Celtic and Rangers played out one of the worst Old Firm derbies in living memory off the back of their own European humiliations."

"Despite Brendan Rodgers' side being a penalty shootout win away from securing another domestic treble just four months ago, there is a sense things have gone a bit stale at Parkhead. The Celtic support became increasingly irate throughout the transfer window because of a lack of transfer business they deemed acceptable. That fury only intensified when a hugely underwhelming deadline day followed the club's Champions League exit and a blunt display in a goalless Old Firm draw."

Celtic have lost momentum despite narrowly missing a domestic treble four months earlier, as fan anger over limited transfer activity and a disappointing deadline day grows. Rangers have invested under new ownership but have won only three of 11 matches under Russell Martin and remain winless in four league games. A goalless Old Firm derby highlighted poor form at both clubs. Heart of Midlothian benefits from Tony Bloom's 29% stake and adoption of Jamestown Analytics, a system linked to Union Saint-Gilloise's rapid rise, positioning Hearts as realistic challengers to the Glasgow duopoly.

Read at www.bbc.com