Talk of Celtic and Rangers joining the English Premier League has again made the news in recent weeks. The question is: Can they really give the big teams a run for their money?
They have for years been after a place in England's top flight in order to maximise their potential by improving the quality of their team by being challenged by quality opposition week after week. More importantly, they want to boost their appeal around the globe by taking advantage of the league's popularity. This ultimately would increase profits.
In the past, it was thought that Celtic and Rangers would be able to challenge for the Champions League spots. Looking at their squads presently, it doesn't look like they will even make it to the Europa League.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal undoubtedly are superior to Scotland's two big teams. With the quick and vast improvement of the next tier of England's teams in recent seasons, Celtic and Rangers would have trouble overcoming these teams. In my opinion, Manchester City, Tottenham, Everton and Aston Villa would all finish above Celtic and Rangers in a league campaign.
That would leave these two teams with a mid-table finish. Their squads are simply not good enough to compete with the teams mentioned above. This can be seen by their usual mediocre performances in Europe over recent years.
Will they be expecting to finish at 10th position? Will they be content with not enjoying wins regularly like they do in Scotland?
Still, it will be beneficial for them to join the Premiership, even if they do not challenge for the title. In monetary terms, they are sure to benefit because of the league's global appeal and through various other ways such as the massive income through television deals. With greater economic strength, they will be able to strengthen their squads and improve their performances, or so we hope. This could lead to a virtuous cycle.
Will they be allowed to join the Premiership? That is an entirely different question!
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