Heart of Midlothian supporters are busy booking time off and scrambling for tickets ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Falkirk at Tynecastle, hoping it will be the ultimate celebration party. However, there is still a full weekend of fixtures before Derek McInnes’s side can clinch their first top-flight title since 1960.
The league leaders play first on Saturday against Motherwell (20:00 BST), giving them a chance to crank up the tension on Celtic before Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Celtic Park (12:00). If Hearts manage to extend their three-point cushion over Martin O’Neill’s team by the end of the weekend, a victory against Falkirk on Wednesday would secure the championship with a game to spare. But if Celtic emerge from the weekend without any further damage, they can force a final-day showdown by beating Motherwell on Wednesday.
Either way, the next few days will be filled with excitement and nail-biting drama in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts target win against dangerous Motherwell
The emotional comeback win over Rangers on Monday night at Tynecastle was a massive hurdle cleared for Hearts. However, facing Motherwell at Fir Park this season is one of the toughest tests in the league. Only Falkirk (twice) have won there, and Motherwell have conceded just nine goals in 17 home games – the fewest in the division. Hearts played cautiously to earn a 0-0 draw on their earlier visit in November, but even the Tynecastle meetings have been fiercely contested.
In August, Motherwell led 3-0 before Claudio Braga inspired a remarkable Hearts comeback to snatch a draw – a sign of things to come. Last month, Motherwell pushed Hearts to the final moments before falling to a 3-1 defeat, a game that could have gone differently had the visitors been more clinical. Just a fortnight ago, Motherwell derailed Rangers’ title hopes with a 3-2 win at Ibrox, and Hearts are well aware of the threat posed by Jens Berthel Askou’s side. With Celtic visiting Fir Park on Wednesday, Motherwell could play kingmaker as they chase fourth place and European football. A Hearts victory would be a giant leap toward history, leaving Celtic with no room for error. So far, the men in maroon have handled everything thrown at them.
Rangers out to spoil Celtic momentum
Celtic have not been convincing for most of the season, but are they improving as the finish line nears? The defending champions have won their last four games – their best run since O’Neill took charge for the first time in October. The 74-year-old Northern Irishman is unbeaten in three derbies this campaign, but all have been level after 90 minutes, and only a win will do on Sunday. Celtic must harness the energy of nearly 60,000 roaring fans, their recent form, and the return of right-back and leader Alistair Johnston to keep Hearts on edge for the final two games. Having a manager and players with previous title-winning experience is one of football’s intangibles, but one Celtic need to tap into.