The Scottish Premiership title race is set for a grandstand finish | OneFootball

The Scottish Premiership title race is usually reserved for two teams: Celtic and Rangers. This season, however, Hearts of Midlothian are looking to gatecrash a 41-year duopoly by beating both Glasgow sides to the league title.

Aberdeen were the last team outside the Old Firm to win the Scottish top flight in 1985. Back then, Sir Alex Ferguson was the finest young manager in Britain, the world record transfer stood at £5m, and Everton went on to win the English First Division.

How times have changed. Over the years, several teams have made a gallant effort to pip both Celtic and Rangers, but ultimately failed.

The Scottish Premiership Top 3. Source: FotMob

This year, Hearts have a fantastic opportunity to break through. With four games left, let’s take a deeper look at the remaining fixtures for the three protagonists in what is the most exciting title run-in for decades.

Celtic not giving up yet

Following the ridiculously high standards that were on show under Ange Postecoglou and, at times, Brendan Rodgers in recent years, this campaign looked like it was flatlining at one stage.

The appointment of Wilfried Nancy was met with disdain, and he proved the doubters right, winning only two of his eight matches in charge.

Martin O’Neil has since returned to the club (after making way for Nancy to take charge in December) and is looking to end the campaign on a high.

Despite the chaos behind the scenes, Celtic could yet win a domestic double. The Parkhead side face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final, while trailing Hearts by just three points in the league.

O’Neil’s men take on Hibs this Sunday, and given that Hearts host Rangers on Monday evening, there is a chance to go level with the Jambos.

Celtic’s remaining matches. Source: FotMob

Next up, the final Old Firm game of the season. Celtic haven’t beaten Rangers in 90 minutes for nearly two years. Home advantage could be key for this one.

An away tie against Motherwell follows that, before a potential final-day decider against Hearts at Parkhead.

Might it be over by then? Only time will tell.

Hearts are just four games away from a first title in 66 years

Yep, Hearts have not won the Scottish title since 1960. Dundee, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and Dundee United have all won the league since then.

Heading into the vital clash against Rangers on Monday evening, Hearts are currently top of the table by three points. But with Celtic playing 24 hours prior, Derek McInnes’ side must take all three points against the Light Blues.

Having won two of the three meetings between the two sides this season, Hearts will surely take plenty of confidence into the game.

The Jambos then face Motherwell and Falkirk, before a final-day encounter against Celtic. It could all come down to that game at Parkhead.

Hearts remaining matches. Source: FotMob

McInnes will be counting on Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga – who both have 17 goals apiece this term – to continue their superb goalscoring form over the next four matches.

If so, Hearts have a fantastic chance of ending their title drought.

Rangers still in the mix for Scottish Premiership title

Rangers suffered an agonising defeat to Motherwell last weekend, a result that leaves them four points adrift of Hearts. Danny Rohl has worked wonders in getting this team into the mix for a league title, especially given their dismal start to the season under Russell Martin.

Dropping points against Celtic in the previous league Old Firm clash, despite going 2-0 up, might well come back to haunt the Ibrox side.

A trip to Tynecastle on Monday will prove whether Rangers are up for the fight or not. Should they lose, it will likely end their title aspirations. Win, however, and things become interesting indeed.

Ranger’s remaining matches. Source: FotMob

Prediction

What a season it has been in Scottish football. Hearts could become legends if they are able to hold on and win the Premiership title.

Their games against Rangers and Celtic will likely determine exactly where the title will end up. Having relied on wonderful team cohesion and a never-say-die attitude, these qualities should get Hearts over the line.

It will be tense. It will be nervy. But the Jambos have made it this far, and destiny awaits for McInnes and his men.