After the end of the last full day of the Premier League last Sunday, all twelve teams have now passed the halfway mark of the season in terms of matches played. We dive into the current rankings and assess what each club might need to do in the January transfer window to improve their prospects.
Leading the league is Brendan Rodgers, whose side have opened a 13-point gap at the top of the Premier League, heading towards a strong defense of their title. Despite an unexpected defeat in the Old Firm derby against Rangers last week, a 3-0 defeat which was a slight blemish on an otherwise brilliant campaign, Celtic remain focused on strengthening their squad. Rodgers has openly expressed a desire to strengthen his attacking options and the latest rumors point to Kieran Tierney, the Scottish defender currently out of favor at Arsenal and whose pre-contract agreement with Celtic appears to be close. This possible acquisition would confirm the continued domination of Celtic, far from the competition.
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Although Rangers fans cherish their recent victory over Celtic, the current reality under Philippe Clement is one of inconsistency. A worrying 3-3 draw against Hibernian means they have dropped points in seven of their last ten away matches, a statistic which looms large in their title aspirations. Injuries have also seriously hampered the squad, with key players like Jack Butland and James Tavernier among the absentees. Rangers will need to navigate a tricky January transfer window if they wish to secure vital reinforcements while remaining six points adrift of second place.
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Despite a frustrating 1-0 home defeat to Hearts, manager Jim Goodwin managed to reinvigorate the team’s reputation. Last season, the Tangerines faced a tough struggle in the Championship, but they have since made great strides under Goodwin’s leadership. With survival the main objective for this newly promoted team, the pressure remains high given the fierce competition in mid-table. Expect minimal transfer activity at Tannadice, especially with Sam Dalby leading the way as the league’s top scorer.
Aberdeen’s journey this season has been chaotic, to say the least. After a promising start, they slipped into a nine-match winless run, losing their grip on third place. Fortunately, coach Jimmy Thelin is preparing to make up for the ground lost in January, particularly strengthening a leaky defense which has seen its central defenders struggle. The recent arrival of Preston winger Jeppe Okkels on loan and the expected addition of Latvian defender Kristers Tobers could provide that much-needed solidity.
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Motherwell faced a turning point after disappointing performances in December against Hibernian and Dundee. With determination, they have since found form, securing crucial victories against Aberdeen and Dundee United. They have a rising star in Lennon Miller, although his recent injury could unintentionally help their efforts to keep him until the end of the season. With the team in a stable position, maintaining momentum will be key for Kettlewell’s men.
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Recent inconsistencies have characterized St Mirren’s season. They have gone through cycles of good and bad performances but still find themselves in contention for European qualification this season. A goalie swap has already taken place, with the return of Zach Hemming and the arrival of Owen Oseni as a new offensive option. Coach Stephen Robinson is keen to further strengthen his squad, aiming for a third consecutive top-six finish.
Hibernian have enjoyed a resurgence recently, recording back-to-back wins and moving away from the bottom of the table. Manager David Gray’s side are showing potential, with players like Nicky Cadden in form. Hibs are targeting new signings to improve their position, hoping to mount a serious challenge for the top six.
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For Dundee, consistency has been hard-fought this season, but a crucial win against St Johnstone could be the spark they need to move forward. Although they lost a key player in Luke McCowan, young talents like Lyall Cameron present new opportunities for the team to renew their competitive edge. Improving defensive capabilities will be high on manager Tony Docherty’s list of priorities in January.
Ross County have finally turned the page, ending a long run of matches without a win away from home. Their recent form, which has included away wins at difficult venues, has allayed relegation fears, putting them within reach of a mid-table finish. Owner Roy MacGregor’s willingness to invest in January is crucial for the Staggies to continue their rise.
Kilmarnock’s struggles have left fans dejected as they find themselves in a perilous position near the bottom of the table. Head coach Derek McInnes faces a major challenge to find consistency and remedy their worrying run of eight red cards. With striker Kyle Vassell injured, January reinforcements are needed to improve their chances of returning to the top six.
Hearts sit precariously in 11th place after a tumultuous start, but manager Neil Critchley is showing signs of progress with a legacy team. However, performances in domestic and European competitions did not satisfy fans. As the transfer window opens, strengthening the squad will be key to helping Hearts regain their rightful place in the league.
In contrast, St Johnstone are struggling in bottom place in the table, with a poor Christmas run and a change of management adding to the woes. Under Simo Valakari, the team attempted to adopt a more attacking style of play, but the lack of a solid defense hampered their effectiveness. They will need urgent reinforcements to avoid relegation and maintain their 16-plus year presence in Scottish football’s elite.
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