Kenny Dalglish reckons the next five weeks will be crucial to the destination of the Premiership title.
The Celtic legend can't split his old side and Rangers as the Hoops begin their quest for 9 in a row - but he insists he'll have a clearer view come the end of the summer transfer window.
By then not only will both sides know the strength of their squad - but the first Old Firm clash of the season will also be out the way.
Dalglish reckons it is vital that Celtic find a suitable replacement for Mikael Lustig at right-back - and even more pressing that they do so at left-back should Kieran Tierney move to Arsenal.
Across the city Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been watched by AC Milan with Eintracht Frankfurt also interested in the Colombian.
And Dalglish says losing Morelos without finding a replacement could be the type of blow that costs Steven Gerrard any chance of winning the league.
Sharing his Premiership predictions in his Sunday Post column, Dalglish said: "Honestly, this is the closest one to call yet. I don't even think the thickness of the page this is written on separates the teams.
"The gap has been closed significantly by Steven Gerrard.
"I'm going to hold off making a prediction until after the transfer window closes. I believe there will be significant business completed at both clubs between now and the beginning of September.
"If Rangers sold Alfredo Morelos and didn't bring in another quality centre forward alongside Jermain Defoe that could be the difference between winning the title and being runners-up.
"Will they definitely be able to keep James Tavernier, their captain and one of their most influential performers? Will Liverpool allow Ryan Kent to go back to Ibrox on loan? That would be a significant boost if it happened and there would be a bit of dejection amongst the Light Blues support if it didn't come off.
"If Celtic lose Kieran Tierney, that most definitely weakens their squad.
"The other question is what kind of player will they bring in for the right-back role to replace Mikael Lustig?
"So there is a strong chance Neil Lennon's team could be weaker in both full-back areas and that would be a concern for them particularly with the style of football they like to play.
"However, if Celtic can keep the core of their team available then they will take some beating."
