It would be an understatement to say that things have not gone according to plan for Celtic this summer. One could argue that the squad has been weakened once again.

They have seen Kelechi Iheanacho and Daizen Maeda, arguably their two most important players, leave. Marcelo Saracchi has not been brought back either.

The likes of Arne Engels and Reo Hatate are also expected to head for the exit door once satisfactory offers arrive. In fact, the former has already agreed personal terms with West Ham United.

At the same time, there is interest in Alistair Johnston following an excellent World Cup campaign with Canada. Everton want him and could be preparing a bid if reports are on the mark.

In return, so far, Celtic have signed two strikers. Camilo Duran has arrived from Qarabag and looked good in pre-season. Kasper Hogh has been brought in from Bodo/Glimt as the club-record signing.

A lot more is needed though. But when you look towards Ibrox, perhaps it might not take as much as expected to win this league title race.

Rangers appointed Derek McInnes as their new manager this summer, replacing Danny Rohl. He is their seventh permanent manager since the summer of 2021. Barry Ferguson had a three-month interim spell in between as well.

On the pitch, it looks like the same story though. Rangers kicked off their Premiership campaign with a draw against Dundee United.

Their fans are starting to notice the same patterns once again. One wrote: "Same excuses. Different main actor."

Some are already calling for the manager's exit, as one wrote: "McInnes out. What a mess. Just dreadful."

A third seems to be losing hope for the campaign already: "That’s our season done already and we’ve only played 90 minutes."

On the other hand, this would have been an enjoyable watch for Celtic supporters, who now have the chance to see their team potentially open up a two-point gap after their first matchday of the news season as they chase a sixth consecutive league title.

One Celtic fan wrote: "In the fight for third place every point matters."

Obviously, Celtic cannot lose their focus heading into their own opening game of the campaign. And following Rangers' dropped points, it has taken some added importance.

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Celtic will kick off their campaign against Dundee FC on Flag Day. And the aim clearly has to be three points to open up a two-point gap over the Rangers already.

In the long run, they need to find ways to make signings to replace the quality that has left, or will leave the club over the coming weeks.