With only five games remaining, the Scottish Premiership title is still up for grabs among three teams. The post-split fixtures kick off this weekend, promising more drama in an already unpredictable season.
Celtic can move level on points with the leaders if they secure a home win against Falkirk, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The following day, Rangers face Motherwell before the highly anticipated Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibernian, also live on Sky Sports. Hearts currently lead, with Rangers trailing by one point and Celtic two points behind. Despite Hearts' lead for most of the season, bookmakers and Opta's supercomputer now favor Rangers to win the title, predicting Hearts will finish second and Celtic third.
The Hoops have not ended a season outside the top two since 1995, and Hearts last finished above the Old Firm in 2006. Over the coming weeks, both will aim to defy the odds.
Historical three-way title races are rare, with the most notable being in 1983 when Dundee United won their only top-flight trophy, finishing one point ahead of Celtic and Aberdeen. In 1998, Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers were all contenders, but Celtic prevailed. This season's title race has been chaotic, especially for Celtic, who have had three managers. Their home form could give them an edge, as they host both title rivals at Parkhead.
However, the results against each other will play a crucial role. Hearts won at Celtic Park in December, and Rangers also won their trip to Glasgow's East End. The final stretch of the season promises twists and turns, with all teams having a chance to influence the outcome.
While Celtic's journey to this point has been tumultuous, their recent Scottish Cup win could boost their morale. The question remains whether Hearts or Rangers can capitalize on Celtic's potential slip-ups. As the season nears its climax, fans are speculating about the possible outcomes, including the slim chance that all three teams could still be in contention on the final day. The title race's conclusion is set to be thrilling, with each team facing challenges that could make or break their season.