Scott Brown Warns Rangers Face Toughest Title Run-In as Goal Difference Scenario Looms
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has warned Rangers they face the most challenging fixture schedule ahead of the Premiership split, while suggesting the championship could be decided by goal difference in a “wild” conclusion to the season.
With one match remaining before the league divides, Hearts remain at the summit despite stumbling to a 2-2 draw at rock bottom Livingston. Rangers had temporarily claimed top spot with victory over Dundee United, while Celtic’s win at Dundee kept them three points adrift of the leaders in third place.
The SPFL is preparing to release the final five fixtures, with some arrangements already confirmed. Hearts must play three home and two away matches, facing Rangers at Tynecastle and Celtic away. The champions are owed a home fixture against Rangers, while all three contenders have their final pre-split assignments this weekend.
Tony Docherty, former Dundee and Aberdeen assistant, highlighted the goal difference situation on BBC Sportsound. “Rangers have the strongest goal difference. Rangers have 32, Hearts have 28 and Celtic have 23. It might even come down to that.” He noted Hearts’ formidable home record at Tynecastle as a significant advantage, while identifying Rangers’ trip to Falkirk as potentially the trickiest fixture on paper.
Brown agreed that playing last next weekend presents difficulties. “It’s always harder. Obviously the result with Hearts probably pushes the lads on a little bit, because they came out at 100mph.” He emphasised the significance of Celtic’s post-split home fixtures against their two main rivals. “They have the two home games against their two top rivals that are in first and second place.”
The former midfielder believes Celtic can seize control if they maintain momentum. “It’s getting exciting, and could go down to goal difference. It would be wild if it does but at this point in time you have got to think Hearts are sitting there with that one point advantage, so it’s theirs to lose. But Celtic will be thinking if we win our games and take Hearts at home we will be in the driving seat.”
The top six has been confirmed with Dundee United unable to catch Falkirk, potentially allowing the SPFL to fast-track the fixture announcement. Post-split dates are scheduled for April 25/26, May 2/3, May 9/10, midweek May 12/13, with the final round on Saturday May 16 at 12.30pm.