With only five games left to play, the Scottish Premiership is set for a thrilling conclusion, as Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic battle it out for the top spot. This weekend, the post-split fixtures commence, with Celtic potentially drawing level with leaders Hearts on points if they secure a home win against Falkirk, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
On Sunday, Rangers face Motherwell before the highly anticipated Edinburgh derby between Hibernian and Hearts, also live on Sky Sports. Hearts are currently at the top of the table, with Rangers trailing by one point and Celtic two points adrift. Despite Hearts' lead for most of the season, bookmakers and Opta's supercomputer now favor Rangers to win the title, predicting they will finish first, followed by Hearts and then Celtic. Celtic have not finished outside the top two since 1995, while Hearts last split the Old Firm to claim second place in 2006 and have not won the title since 1960.
Over the coming weeks, both Celtic and Hearts will aim to defy the odds and prove the predictions wrong. Historically, three-way title tussles have been rare, but one notable instance was in 1983 when Dundee United won their final six games to claim the top-flight trophy, finishing one point ahead of Celtic and Aberdeen. In 1998, Hearts, Celtic, and Rangers were also in contention, but Hearts' derby defeat and Rangers' struggles allowed Celtic to win the title by two points, ending Rangers' bid for a historic 10-in-a-row.
Twelve years earlier, Hearts missed out on the title, needing just a draw on the final day but losing and allowing Celtic to win on goal difference. Celtic's journey to this point has been tumultuous, with three managers and a disastrous campaign, but they now have a chance to turn it around. With three home games in their run-in, compared to Hearts and Rangers who have three away games, Celtic's home form could give them an advantage. However, this season has been full of unexpected twists, and the results between the title contenders will play a significant role in the final outcome.
Hearts won at Celtic Park in December, and Rangers also won their only trip to Glasgow's East End, with their next meeting scheduled for May 10, live on Sky Sports. Hearts also beat Rangers at Tynecastle, ahead of their next meeting on May 4, live on Sky Sports. While Hearts and Rangers took advantage of a free week to train in Spain, Celtic booked their place in the Scottish Cup final with a 6-2 win against St Mirren. Celtic's win, although emphatic, saw four of their goals scored in extra-time, which may give their fans cause for concern.
As the title race reaches its climax, social media is filled with fan predictions, and there is a chance all three teams could still be in contention on the final day. If Celtic are out of the running, their fans may find themselves in the unusual position of cheering on their rivals, as they would prefer anyone but their Old Firm rivals to take the title. In a season of unexpected twists and turns, anything is possible, and the final outcome is far from certain.