The race for the league crown is heading for a dramatic finish as supporters eagerly await the SPFL’s announcement of the final fixtures.
Celtic legend Scott Brown has cautioned Rangers that they are facing the most challenging situation ahead of the Premiership split.
He also suggested that a “wild” outcome, where the title is settled by goal difference, could still happen. With only one match left before the split, Derek McInnes’ team remain leaders at the summit.
However, the front-runners slipped up against bottom side Livingston, managing only a draw in West Lothian. That result came just a day after Rangers had briefly moved into first place following a victory over Dundee United.
Celtic kept the pressure on the leading pair in third place with a win over Dundee, leaving them three points behind Hearts. While supporters wait for the SPFL to confirm the final five fixtures, some details about the top three teams’ schedules are already clear.
Derek McInnes’ side will have three home matches and two away fixtures. They have already faced Rangers twice away and Celtic once away, meaning they must still play Rangers at home and Celtic away.
Martin O’Neill’s side are also due a home clash against Rangers in the closing run-in.
Before the split, Hearts will host Motherwell at Tynecastle, while Celtic take on St Mirren at home on Saturday. Rangers will travel to Falkirk on Sunday.
Assessing the fixtures, former Dundee and Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty told BBC Sportsound: “I even just look at the goal difference. Rangers have the strongest goal difference. Rangers have 32, Hearts have 28 and Celtic have 23. It might even come down to that.
“One thing is you look at Hearts have at home, at Tynecastle, is so strong. It’s the strongest in the league, so that is something that every manager wants.
“The most important game is your next game, and the next game for Hearts is Motherwell at home, and if you win that you are still top of the league.
“Celtic’s next game is a home game, and that game Rangers have got at Falkirk looks the trickiest of the three of them on paper – but who wins games on paper?
“It’s exciting and it gets more exciting by the week. I think Celtic took an opportunity that was presented to them today, and it allows them to be back in the hunt.”
Reflecting on Rangers playing last next weekend, Brown added: “It’s always harder.
“Obviously the result with Hearts probably pushes the lads [Celtic] on a little bit [against Dundee], because they came out at 100mph. They can go three points behind Hearts, and then they have a huge game next week.
“Then going into the split – which is a huge thing – they have the two home games against their two top rivals that are in first and second place.
“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 there’s to lose.
“But Celtic will be thinking if we win our games and take Hearts at home we will be in the driving seat.”
Following matchday 32, the top six positions have now been confirmed, with Dundee United no longer able to mathematically overtake Falkirk.
This could allow the SPFL to speed up the release of the fixture list, as they usually wait until after matchday 33 to finalise standings. That will depend on coordination with organisations such as Police Scotland and broadcasters Sky Sports and Premier Sports.
Currently, league officials have already shared the match dates and schedule outline for the final five fixtures with Celtic, Hearts, and Rangers.
The post-split matches are set for the weekends of April 25/26, May 2/3, and May 9/10, along with a midweek round on May 12/13. The final set of top-six fixtures will take place on Saturday, May 16, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30pm.