A total of six of Celtic's next seven matches are away from home.
With the Europa League behind them, Celtic are now staring down a season-defining two-week spell.
By 14 March, they might be cruising in the league with the wind at their backs and into the Scottish Cup last four.
Or, they might find themselves still struggling to retain the championship and staring at a silverware-free season.
The first stop is a trip to Ibrox on Sunday for a titanic league clash, with Celtic behind Rangers by a couple of points after playing one game fewer, with Hearts six points ahead of the champions.
Then it is a midweek trip to Aberdeen, before returning to Ibrox in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then hosting high-flying and tough Motherwell.
A half-dozen of their following seven matches are away from Celtic Park. This often-criticized Celtic group is about to be stress-tested after a rollercoaster opening months of the season.
"We can expect a lot of surprises and changes," commented a former Celtic defender. "It wouldn't shock me if the league is decided on the final day. But they will have to do it over the next five or six games. You have to be utterly consistent, otherwise they will not win the trophies."
Manager Faces Selection 'Dilemma'
Despite the 1-0 win over Stuttgart being ultimately irrelevant in Celtic's quest to reach the last 16 of the Europa League, it could yet prove significant.
The manager rotated eight of his starting line-up and some of the squad members delivered impressive performances to secure the club's maiden win in Germany.
Luke McCowan stroked home the winner after just 28 seconds and played positively, while in the back four, several defenders stood out in a gutsy performance.
Murray especially stated his claim to start alongside Liam Scales. One magnificent defensive intervention stood out and he was confident when defending corners.
But the most discussed display was saved for second-choice goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo as he played his part in a first Celtic clean sheet in six matches.
The established goalkeeper has been under heavy criticism after a series of errors. The 26-year-old stepped in and made six saves, in a display described as "perfect" by a former Celtic midfielder.
A former Celtic goalkeeper believes Sinisalo performed well enough to start against Rangers on Sunday.
"He had some excellent saves and looked composed when he had the ball and read the game well," was the assessment. "It's a big decision to make at the weekend. Based on that showing, I would be giving him the nod. Let him keep his place in the team now."
The Celtic manager agreed that a number of individuals have given him "plenty to consider".
"[Sinisalo] was outstanding in the game, exceptionally. That's the name all round the dressing room," the manager said. "He's got a lot of talent."
Viljami Sinisalo made a strong case to start against Rangers on Sunday.
'Critical' Rangers Test Awaits
The other benefit of Celtic's win was that they demonstrated they can battle to a victory.
Historically, Celtic have pitched up and naturally looked to dominate the ball from the first whistle to the last against every Scottish rival.
But this more fragile side had looked more and more susceptible this year, often letting in more than one goal per game.
Having not won at Ibrox in four attempts and given Rangers have won their last ten home matches, a demonstration of toughness in Germany was timely.
Might Celtic take a slightly more pragmatic approach? Right now, it is all about winning.
"You don't have to have most of the ball to win the game," noted an pundit. "You've got to work hard, defend well, get a slice of fortune and have a reliable shot-stopper."
"Celtic have struggled for form this season, but they are still in contention [in the league]. They still have a chance, with a game in hand. The players will pick up great confidence from tonight - the weekend will be a critical one."
