Scottish Premiership is nearing its climax, and the race for the title is as thrilling as ever. Celtic and Rangers, the traditional powerhouses, are locked in a fierce battle, while other teams are vying for European qualification and avoiding relegation. But beyond the headlines, the stats paint a fascinating picture of the season so far. Let’s delve into the key Scottish Premiership stats that are captivating fans.
Goalkeeping Greats: Keeping the Sheets Clean
Clean sheets are a valuable commodity in any league, and the Scottish Premiership boasts some exceptional stoppers. Leading the pack is Jack Butland of Rangers. The English international has racked up an impressive 17 clean sheets, a significant factor in Rangers’ title challenge. Hot on his heels is Zander Clark of Hearts with 13. Joe Hart (Celtic), Cammy Dennis (Kilmarnock), and Vaclav Hladky (St Mirren) all deserve a mention with 3 clean sheets each, showcasing the overall quality between the posts.
Sharpshooters and Assist Kings: Who’s Lighting Up the League?
Goals win matches, and the Scottish Premiership has no shortage of prolific scorers. Lawrence Shankland of Hearts leads the way with a staggering 20 goals. The striker has been on fire this season, a major reason for Hearts’ push for a European spot. Rangers boast a strong attacking duo in James Tavernier (12 goals) and Cyriel Dessers (10 goals), while Bojan Miovski (Aberdeen) and Kevin van Veen (Motherwell) have chipped in with 9 goals each.
The supply line is equally important, and Celtic’s Matt O’Riley is the undisputed king of assists with an impressive 11. Kyle Armstrong (Kilmarnock) and David Turnbull (Celtic) are close behind with 7 assists each, while Rhian Christie (Motherwell) and Jake Doyle-Hayes (Hibernian) have created 6 goals apiece. These creative forces are ensuring a constant flow of attacking opportunities.
Team Stats: Who’s Dominating Possession and Firing on All Cylinders?
While individual brilliance is exciting, team stats offer a broader picture of a team’s effectiveness. When it comes to possession, Celtic reign supreme, averaging a healthy 58% per game. Rangers aren’t far behind with 55%, highlighting their control-oriented approaches. However, when it comes to shots on target, Rangers edge out their rivals with 225, compared to Celtic’s 226. This suggests a slightly more clinical edge for the Ibrox side.
Defensively, Rangers boast the best record, conceding only 22 goals all season. Hearts follow closely with 24 goals conceded, showcasing their defensive solidity. However, in terms of fouls conceded, Ross County lead the unwanted table with 383, followed by Kilmarnock (377) and Livingston (375). This suggests a more aggressive approach from these teams.
The Race for the Top: Celtic vs Rangers – A Tight Contest
The battle for the Scottish Premiership title is a two-horse race between Celtic and Rangers. Both teams are separated by just 2 points, with Celtic currently holding the lead. Their head-to-head record this season is tied, with one win each and a thrilling 2-2 draw in the most recent encounter. This intense competition promises a dramatic finale to the season.
European Hopes and Relegation Battles: Beyond the Big Two
While the spotlight focuses on Celtic and Rangers, the battle for European qualification is equally intriguing. Hearts sit in third, well-positioned for a Europa Conference League spot. Hibernian and Motherwell are also in contention, separated by just 3 points. However, the threat of relegation looms large for several teams. Dundee, Ross County, and Livingston are currently in the relegation zone, with just a few points separating them from safety.
Conclusion: Scottish Premiership – A League Full of Surprises
The Scottish Premiership continues to surprise and entertain. The battle for the title between Celtic and Rangers is as fierce as ever, while other teams are fighting for European glory and avoiding relegation. The league boasts exceptional goalkeepers, prolific scorers, creative midfielders, and teams with distinct playing styles. With the season reaching its climax, the upcoming weeks promise to be filled with drama, excitement, and heartbreak. So, keep your eyes peeled on the Scottish Premiership – it’s a league that continues to defy expectations.
FAQs:
Who are the top scorers?
Lawrence Shankland (Hearts) is currently the king of the castle with a whopping 20 goals! He’s followed by James Tavernier (Rangers), Dukadam (Aberdeen), and Paul Onuachu (Rangers) keeping the pressure on.
Who’s racking up the assists?
Celtic’s Matt O’Riley is the current assist king with 11 under his belt, creating plenty of opportunities for his teammates. Ryan Christie (Kilmarnock) and Jota (Celtic) are also setting their strikers up for success.
Which team is the clean sheet champion?
Rangers are putting on a defensive masterclass with the most clean sheets (17) thanks to their reliable goalie Jack Butland. Hearts’ Zander Clark is not far behind, keeping things tight at the back.
Who’s putting the most pressure on goal?
Celtic and Rangers are neck and neck when it comes to total shots, with both teams exceeding 600 attempts! Hearts are also making their presence known with over 400 shots.
Which team is the most disciplined?
St Johnstone might not be topping the table, but they’re the least carded team so far. On the other hand, Ross County seems to be getting into a few scrapes, leading the way in yellow cards.
Who are the best shot-stoppers?
St Johnstone’s keeper, Zdenek Mitov, is making some incredible saves, currently leading the pack with over 100! Kelle Roos (Aberdeen) and Zander Clark (Hearts) are also proving their worth between the sticks.
Who’s leading the goals conceded race (in a bad way)?
Ross County’s defense needs some work, having conceded the most goals this season. Livingston and Dundee aren’t far behind, so they’ll be looking to tighten up at the back.
Who’s on fire right now?
Kilmarnock, the surprise package of the season, is scoring for fun! They’re tied with several other teams for the third-highest scorers in the league.
How close is the title race?
It’s a two-horse race at the top! Celtic and Rangers are battling it out, with just a few points separating them. The rest of the league will be fighting for European spots and to avoid relegation.
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