1 week Ago
Having fluffed their lines last weekend, Celtic have another chance to wrap up their 13th title in 14 years, but that can only happen if Rangers slip up. We go into the last round of pre-split fixtures with three teams in the mix for the one remaining spot in the top half - and two of those go head-to-head to really ramp up the tension. It's all go at the wrong end of the table too, with the bottom three all winning last time out to breath new life into the scrap for survival.
A mere four points separate St Mirren in seventh and Dundee in 11th. And then we have Hibs bidding to take their incredible unbeaten run to 17 games. With so many plates spinning, let's examine some of the things to look out for.
.. Rangers at Pittodrie always has an edge and this time we have the potential added spice of a home win clinching the title for Celtic.
Aberdeen have found their mojo again in the race for third place, with four wins and two draws from their past seven Premiership matches. Rangers are still waiting for a first home win under Barry Ferguson but have won each of their past five away league games, scoring at least three each time. There may be a few tired legs after Thursday's defensive heroics against Athletic Bilbao and the interim head coach's team selection could be influenced by the trip to Spain next week, with a place in the last four of the Europa League on the line.
However, fatigue was not a factor when Rangers won at Celtic Park last month just three days after extra-time and penalties against Fenerbahce. The Dons are unbeaten in three home league games against Rangers (W2 D1) and are looking to win back-to-back for the first time since February 2006 under Jimmy Calderwood. Meanwhile, the visitors are seeking back-to-back wins at Pittodrie for the first time since December 2022.
Only in September 1899 and November 1957 have Rangers ever scored three-plus goals in six straight away league victories. In a wildly topsy turvy term, Rangers have also conceded two or more goals in each of their past six league games. Yet, with 10 men, they kept Bilbao out.
Will they show the same focus and resolve against an Aberdeen side that has scored 10 in their past three at home in all competitions? Early Sunday starts can be soporific affairs. This one should be anything but. To set up a possible title party on Sunday, Celtic need a win on Saturday.
Given Kilmarnock have not enjoyed a victory at Celtic Park since 2012 and sit 43 points behind the leaders, not many are giving the visitors a chance. However, it was the same story last weekend in Perth when Brendan Rodgers' side were stunned by bottom side St Johnstone. Celtic have lost three of their past six league games, which is more than in their previous 46 (W38 D6 L2), with Rodgers bemoaning a slackness in mentality, saying "too many of our players have been too comfortable".
It will fall to captain Callum McGregor to drive standards and make sure the champions play with the aggression and tempo the manager demands. McGregor got the first goal on Kilmarnock's last visit in the Scottish Cup and was also on target at Rugby Park in November. One more will get him to double figures for the first time since 2019-20.
Neil Critchley still has his eyes on a European place despite a 1-0 home loss to Dundee United leaving the Edinburgh side eight points adrift of fifth in the table. Heart of Midlothian will have to make sure they finish in the top half in order to pursue that ambition - and that is looking far from certain following a run of three defeats in their past four league outings. Victory at Fir Park on Saturday wraps it up, but Motherwell have won six of their past eight home encounters against the Tynecastle side.
A draw would keep the Steelmen at bay but would open the door for St Mirren, who are at home to Ross County. Of course, Hearts were rock bottom when Critchley replaced Steven Naismith in October, so credit is due for the team's rise. However, there is huge pressure on the former Blackpool boss going into the weekend and there will be jitters around his big-match record.
When Hearts needed a win at home to Petrocub of Moldova in order to make Conference League progress, they failed. In 11 games against Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Aberdeen, Critchley has found just one win. Only maximum points will do for Motherwell, who have gathered one point from three matches after winning at Ibrox.
That could play into the visitors' hands and Critchley will be stressing the importance of the first goal since Brechin City are the only domestic opponent Hearts have beaten away from home this season after conceding the opener..
