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 off against Motherwell, ahead of a crucial Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibernian, also live on Sky Sports.
Despite Hearts' current lead, Rangers are now the title favorites according to bookmakers and Opta's supercomputer, which predicts Rangers will finish top, followed by Hearts and then Celtic. The Hoops have not finished outside the top two since 1995, while Hearts last split the Old Firm to finish second in 2006 and last won the title in 1960. Over the coming weeks, both will aim to defy the odds and prove the supercomputer and bookies wrong. Historical three-way title tussles have been rare, with the most notable being in 1983 when Dundee United won their only top-flight trophy.
In 1998, Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers were all in contention, but Hearts' derby defeat and Rangers' struggles allowed Celtic to prevail. This season's title race has been chaotic for Celtic, with three managers and a disastrous campaign that Martin O'Neill has had to salvage. Their home form could give them an advantage, with four wins in their last five league games at Parkhead.
However, Rangers have won only once in their last five away games, and Hearts have taken just one point from their last five away matches. Celtic's home fixtures against their title rivals could be pivotal, but their results against each other have been unpredictable.
Hearts won at Celtic Park in December, and Rangers also won their only trip to Glasgow's East End. The final stretch of the season promises to be intense, with all three teams facing each other and themselves in critical matches. While Celtic's recent Scottish Cup win has given them hope for a league and cup double, their fans are cautious due to the draw after 90 minutes.
Social media is filled with fan predictions about the possible outcomes, including the chance that all three teams could still be in contention on the final day. If Celtic are out of the running, will their fans back Hearts to claim their first title in 40 years and prevent their Old Firm rivals from winning? In a season of unexpected twists, anything could happen.