With only five games remaining, the Scottish Premiership is set for a thrilling conclusion. The post-split fixtures commence this weekend, promising more drama in an already unpredictable season. Celtic can draw level with leaders Hearts on points if they secure a home win against Falkirk, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The following day, Rangers face Motherwell before Hearts take on Hibernian in the final Edinburgh derby of the season, also live on Sky Sports.
Despite Hearts' current lead, bookmakers and Opta's supercomputer predict Rangers will claim the title, with Hearts finishing second and Celtic third. The Hoops have not finished outside the top two since 1995, while Hearts last split the Old Firm and finished second in 2006, and their last title win was in 1960.
Over the coming weeks, both Hearts and Celtic will aim to defy the odds. Historic three-way title battles have been rare, with the most notable being in 1983 when Dundee United won their only top-flight trophy, edging out Celtic and Aberdeen. In 1998, Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers were all in contention, but a derby defeat for Hearts and struggles for Rangers allowed Celtic to prevail.
Hearts have previously missed out on the title in three-way races, including in 1986 when they needed just a draw to win but lost on the final day, allowing Celtic to claim the title on goal difference. This season's title race has been chaotic, especially for Celtic, who have had three managers and a disastrous campaign. However, their home form could give them an advantage, with four wins in their last five league games at Parkhead. Rangers have won once in their last five away games, and Hearts have taken one point from their last five away matches.
Celtic's home form and the fact they have three home games in the run-in could be crucial. Nevertheless, this season has been full of surprises, and the results between the title contenders will play a significant role. Hearts and Rangers have both beaten Celtic at home, and their upcoming meetings could decide the title.
While Hearts and Rangers took advantage of a free week to train in Spain, Celtic booked their place in the Scottish Cup final. The Jambos' trip was seen as an opportunity to enjoy some calm before the storm of the critical Edinburgh derby, while Rangers viewed it as a chance for recovery and to work on small details. Celtic's emphatic 6-2 win against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup has given them hope of a league and cup double, which seemed improbable a few months ago.
However, the fact that the game was level after 90 minutes may give Celtic fans cause for concern. As the title race reaches its climax, social media is filled with fan predictions about what could happen if the race goes down to the final day. There is a chance all three teams could still be in contention on May 16, with Celtic hosting Hearts and Rangers away to Falkirk.
If Celtic are out of the title race, will their fans be cheering on Hearts to claim their first title in 40 years and prevent their Old Firm rivals from winning? With 13 titles in the last 14 seasons, Celtic fans will be hurting, but the prospect of their rivals taking the title could be even more painful. In a season of unexpected twists, anything could happen.