With just five games left to play, the Scottish Premiership is set for a thrilling conclusion. The post-split fixtures commence this weekend, promising more drama in an already eventful 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 travel to Hibernian for the final Edinburgh derby of the season, also live on Sky Sports. Currently, Hearts are at the top, one point ahead of Rangers, and three points clear of Celtic.
Contrary to their lead for most of the season, bookmakers now favor Rangers for the title, a prediction supported by Opta's supercomputer. It forecasts Rangers to finish first on May 16, 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 claimed the top spot in 1960. Over the coming weeks, both will aim to defy the odds.
Historical three-way title contests have been rare, with the most notable being in 1983 when Dundee United won their only top-flight trophy by finishing one point ahead of Celtic and Aberdeen. In 1998, a similar scenario unfolded with Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers in contention, but Celtic ultimately prevailed by two points.
Twelve years earlier, Hearts missed out on the title, and their fans will hope history does not repeat itself. Celtic's journey to this point has been tumultuous, with three managers and a lot of ground to cover. Their home form might give them an edge, having won four of 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 on the road. Celtic have the advantage of three home games during the run-in, while Hearts and Rangers face three away games in their last five. However, this season has been full of surprises, and results against each other will play a crucial role. Hearts and Rangers have both beaten Celtic away, and their upcoming matches against each other will be critical.
While Hearts and Rangers enjoyed a training break in Spain, Celtic secured their place in the Scottish Cup final. The final stretch of the season promises to be intense, with all teams having a lot at stake. The question remains whether Celtic, if out of contention, would support their rivals to prevent their Old Firm counterparts from claiming the title. In a season of unpredictability, anything can happen.