Rangers are currently top of the Scottish Women's Premier League by one point from Celtic and champions Glasgow City; watch Rangers vs Partick Thistle in the Sky Sports Cup final - live on Sky Sports - on March 24
Monday 18 March 2024 12:08, UK
With just one point now separating leaders Rangers, closest challengers Celtic and champions Glasgow City in the Scottish Women's Premier League - who will come out on top this season?
Celtic beat their rivals in the first post-split fixtures - inflicting the Gers' first defeat of the season - while Glasgow City beat Hearts.
If last season is anything to go by - when City beat the Old Firm to top spot on the final day - this title race could also go all the way.
All three clubs will be live on Sky Sports between now and the season climax on May 19 - but how will they all handle the pressure of another title race?
The Gers were unbeaten in the league under boss Jo Potter - who has signed a new deal until 2026 - before that loss to Celtic in their first post-split fixture.
"Last season shows things can change so quickly," captain Nicola Docherty told Sky Sports.
"For us, it's important to keep our standards where they are and hopefully that stands us in good stead.
"The new manager Jo, and her assistant, have been phenomenal since they came in.
"They've got high standards and that's the way it should be at a club like Rangers.
"We've got squad depth which is important and hopefully it can be a good end to the season."
The Hoops were on the verge of winning the title until Glasgow City's last-minute winner at Ibrox last time out. However, could the pain of that campaign help the team who are now managed by Elena Sadiku?
Captain Kelly Clark told Sky Sports: "It probably lights a fire to make sure it doesn't happen again but if it hadn't happened that way I'd still be saying the same thing.
"At the time it gave us extra fire for the Scottish Cup final the week later. If I'm looking back and talking unselfishly, what the finale did for women's football last year was pretty amazing.
"The numbers and the interest in it was probably something we won't go through again. It was unreal.
"We are in a better position than we were at this point last season. I think we were eight points behind going into the split and we all know anything can happen so we are excited.
"We went through the managerial change and played well in games so we are looking to take that form into the split."
The champions looked down and out in their quest to win a 16th top-flight title last May, until that dramatic last-minute winner from Lauren Davidson.
Their title defence this season was not going to plan either a matter of weeks ago - but recent results have seen the club move to within one point of top spot. Having experienced the rollercoaster of last season, could a similar path to the title be on the cards again?
Captain Jo Love told Sky Sports: "It's still unbelievable what happened last year. One minute we were completely out of it and the next minute we've won the league and are playing in Europe.
"We have fond memories of course, but it was mentally shattering at the same time.
"I think I'd definitely choose to do it with time to spare this time but with Celtic and Rangers around I don't think there will be much time to spare.
"We would take it all over again if it has to be the same as last season."
Leaders Rangers are just one point clear of Celtic and Glasgow City in the SWPL - with every club facing those in their half of the table twice between now and May 19.
Following that win for Celtic over Rangers in the first post-split fixtures, champions Glasgow City host Celtic on March 31 before visiting Rangers on April 14 - live on Sky Sports.
The reverse of those fixtures sees Celtic take on Glasgow City at home on May 1 before visiting Rangers five days later - live on Sky Sports - with Rangers at Glasgow City on May 12.
Rangers are at home to Partick Thistle, Celtic host Hibernian and Glasgow City welcome Hearts on the final day of the season.
Prior to all those games, Partick Thistle face holders Rangers in the Sky Sports Cup final on March 24 - live on Sky Sports.
Sky Sports - This season up to 48 cinch Premiership games will be available across Sky Sports' flagship channels, including Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event, plus at least five SWPL matches. From 2024/25, up to 60 cinch Premiership will be live on Sky Sports, in addition to the SWPL.
Sky Sports News - Running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Scottish football fans can enjoy Sky Sports News' (channel 409) rolling editorial coverage of the cinch Premiership and SWPL throughout the season.
Sky Sports Digital - Follow all the latest from Scottish football across SkySports.com and app, including exclusive features and interviews, plus dedicated live blog coverage, in-game clips from matches live on Sky Sports and free highlights.
Sky Sports Social - Alongside coverage and visibility for the league across all Sky Sports' main social media channels, the bespoke X page @ScotlandSky (formerly known as Twitter) will continue to be the home of all Scottish football content on Sky Sports.
Highlights show - Tune in for a dedicated round-up from the cinch Premiership every week on Sky Sports Football.
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