Hearts could clinch the Premiership title tonight against Falkirk—if Celtic lose away to Motherwell (Getty)
Hearts are on the verge of securing their first league championship since 1960, potentially ending the long-standing dominance of Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Under manager Derek McInnes, Hearts have led the standings for much of the season and now enter what is being billed as Scottish football’s most pivotal week since 1985, with the title firmly in their grasp.
The last non-Old Firm team to win the Scottish top flight was Aberdeen under Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet Celtic remain in contention, chasing a fifth consecutive title and with their own destiny still in their hands.
Hearts head into tonight’s penultimate league fixture against Falkirk just one point ahead of Celtic. The two sides will then meet at Parkhead on the final day of the season, where the championship could be decided.
Scottish Premiership Standings and Remaining Fixtures
1) Hearts | Played: 36, Points: 77, Goal Difference: +32
2) Celtic | Played: 36, Points: 76, Goal Difference: +29
Remaining matches:
– Hearts: Falkirk (home), Celtic (away)
– Celtic: Motherwell (away), Hearts (home)
How Hearts Can Win the League Tonight
After a thrilling title race full of twists and turns, the outcome could be determined as early as tonight.
If Hearts beat Falkirk at home and Celtic lose away to Motherwell, Hearts will be crowned champions with one game to spare. Both matches kick off simultaneously at 8pm BST, meaning any goals at Tynecastle or Fir Park will be closely monitored by both camps.
Celtic can ensure the title battle goes to the final day simply by avoiding defeat at Motherwell.
What Would Celtic Need on the Final Day?
Although Hearts could seal the title tonight, Celtic’s fate also remains in their own hands. This follows Hearts being held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell, while Celtic defeated Rangers last weekend.
As long as Celtic match Hearts’ result this evening, they can lift the trophy on Saturday with any type of win against Hearts at Parkhead. If Celtic win tonight and Hearts either lose or draw, Celtic would go into the weekend knowing that a draw against Hearts would be enough.
What Happens If They Finish Level on Points?
Two scenarios could lead to a tie: either Hearts lose to Falkirk and Celtic draw with Motherwell, followed by a draw on the final day; or Hearts beat Falkirk, Celtic draw with Motherwell, followed by a Celtic win in the season finale.
The tiebreakers are goal difference, then goals scored, then head-to-head points. Hearts currently hold a superior goal difference. In the first scenario, Hearts would need to lose to Falkirk by three goals for Celtic to go into the final day needing only a draw. If Hearts win tonight and Celtic draw, Celtic would need not only to win on Saturday but also by a substantial margin.