Hearts v Falkirk LIVE: Title on the line as Celtic bid to take thrilling Scottish Premiership to final day | OneFootball

Hope for Hearts? Celtic face a tough test at Motherwell

After their 1-1 draw at Fir Park on Saturday, Hearts need no reminding that Motherwell have been a tough test for any side this season under Jens Berthel Askou.

Motherwell could secure European football with a win tonight, and have beaten Celtic and Rangers this term while drawing against Hearts three times.

“It’s something that has helped us, especially at Ibrox last time, also against Hearts the other day,” Askou said when asked about playing the big teams.

“I am confident that it will also give us an advantage that we have practised that again and again and again when we played the big teams, to really try to be ourselves all the way through.

“I trust the players that they will be able to show their best side, not only technically and physically but also mentally.”

(PA)

Derek McInnes: Hearts to use devastating injuries as 'motivation'

Hearts boss Derek McInnes after confirming that key duo Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard will be out for nine months after rupturing their Achilles in the 1-1 draw at Motherwell.

“That’s the kind of hangover a wee bit after the game, two very important players for us, two really popular lads, having to deal with a significant injury,” he said.

“We’ve had to deal with that through a lot of the season and any of the lads who have come in as replacements have never let us down.

“We feel that’s going to be the case this time around as well. We’ve got players who will come in and do the job for us.

“It’s an extra wee bit of motivation for us – if we needed any more – that two boys, two players who have played a big part have really suffered.”

(PA)

Jamie Braidwood13 May 2026 17:30

Martin O'Neill please to see Celtic coming into form at the right time

Martin O’Neill could yet complete his own remarkable story if the 74-year-old leads Celtic to the title, 21 years after his last in Scotland. O’Neill, who returned to management in two caretaker spells this season, has seen Celtic win their last five games on the bounce.

“We’ve got some players who are in really good form, which is the most important thing,” he said. “I think there’s a good connection with the team and the fans. I think that’s been an important issue. Celtic Park on Sunday was just was kind of reminiscent of my old days anyway and that’s been great.

“But we’ve gone away from home and we’ve won some big matches as well too, so just a combination of all of those things gives us a chance anyway. They’ve known for some weeks, particularly after the [defeat] at Dundee United, that there was no room for mistakes.”

Last time out: Hearts suffer a title race blow at Motherwell

On Saturday night, Hearts well held to a 1-1 draw at Motherwell. On one hand, it means Hearts go into the final week of the season knowing a win at Celtic on Saturday would make them champions. But on the other hand, the draw opened the door to Celtic on a night where Hearts also suffered a couple of painful injury blows.

The leaders lost both Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard to Achilles injuries, with the centre-back and midfielder both ruled out for the next nine months after undergoing surgery. To add to Derek McInnes’ frustration, Hearts were denied a second-half penalty for what appeared to be a clear foul on the winger Alexandros Kyziridis.

Hearts and the Scottish title: How we got here

Hearts are bidding to become the first team outside of the Old Firm to win the league since 1985, when a man called Alex Ferguson led Aberdeen to a successful title defence.

Under Derek McInnes, Hearts have been leading the way for most of the season, after winning eight of their first nine games of the campaign. With Celtic and Rangers both in chaos at times, they have kept their heads to now stand on the brink of history.

Jamie Braidwood13 May 2026 16:10

Good afternoon and welcome

History could be made at Tynecastle this evening: victory for Hearts over Falkirk, combined with Celtic losing at Motherwell, would confirm them as champions for the first time since 1960. Gorgie Road is ready for its biggest night in a generation.

Jamie Braidwood13 May 2026 16:01