Hearts are on the verge of clinching their first league title since 1960, potentially ending the long-standing dominance of Celtic and Rangers over the Scottish Premiership.
Coached by Derek McInnes, Hearts have been at the forefront of the league this season and head into what could be Scottish football’s most significant week since 1985 with the championship within reach.
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The last team to win the Scottish title outside of Glasgow’s Old Firm was Aberdeen, under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Celtic is aiming for their fifth consecutive title and remains in the race.
As Hearts prepare to face Falkirk in their penultimate league match, they hold a narrow lead of just one point over Celtic, whom they will visit on the final day of the season, a match that could determine the title.
Scottish Premiership standings and fixtures
1) Hearts | Played: 36, Points: 77, GD+ 32
2) Celtic | Played: 36, Points: 76, GD+ 29
Remaining fixtures
Hearts: Falkirk (h), Celtic (a)
Celtic: Motherwell (a), Hearts (h)
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Path to the league title for Hearts tonight
In this exciting title race filled with surprises, tonight could be a decisive moment.
If Hearts triumph over Falkirk at home and Celtic falls to Motherwell, they will secure the championship with one match still to play.
Both matches start simultaneously at 8pm BST, so updates from Tynecastle or Fir Park will influence the other team’s performance.
Celtic can ensure the title remains undecided until the last matchday as long as they avoid a loss against Motherwell.
Celtic’s requirements for the final day
While Hearts may have the opportunity to seal the title tonight, Celtic still has control over their own destiny.
This follows Hearts’ recent 1-1 draw with Motherwell and Celtic’s victory over Rangers last weekend.
Hence, if Celtic matches Hearts’ result this evening, they can clinch the title on Saturday with any win against Hearts at Parkhead.
If Celtic wins tonight and Hearts does not secure a victory, they would enter the weekend knowing that a draw against Hearts would suffice.
Implications of finishing level on points
There are two scenarios that could lead to a tied point total: either Hearts lose to Falkirk while Celtic draws with Motherwell, followed by a draw on the final matchday, or Hearts win against Falkirk, Celtic draws against Motherwell, and Celtic wins on the final day.
The tiebreakers are goal difference, followed by goals scored, then head-to-head points.
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Currently, Hearts enjoy a superior goal difference. In the first scenario, Hearts would need to lose to Falkirk by three goals for Celtic to secure a situation where a simple draw would be enough on the final day. Conversely, if Hearts win tonight and Celtic draws, then Celtic would have to win decisively on Saturday.