Scottish Premiership title race: How and when can Hearts or Celtic win the league?

The Scottish Premiership title race has come down to Hearts and Celtic vying to be champions.

With just two games remaining, Hearts have a one-point advantage over Martin O’Neill’s side, who triumphed on derby day against Rangers.

Hearts, who haven’t won a title since 1960, have led the pack for most of the season and are closing in on history under Derek McInnes.

But current champions Celtic have hit form at the right time and are well in the title race with just six points left up for grabs.

Sport

Martin O’Neill hoping comeback win over Rangers can fuel Celtic title charge

Victory over Rangers put pressure on Hearts following their draw with Motherwell

The Tynecastle side remain one point ahead at the top of the table heading into the final two matches.

They dropped points at Fir Park in a 1-1 draw against Motherwell on Saturday evening – and Celtic took full advantage by defeating their arch rivals Rangers 3-1 win in the Old Firm.

The Jambos, who remain undefeated at home all campaign, face Falkirk on Wednesday night before making the journey to Parkhead on the final day.

Celtic have lost eight league games this season but have won their last five in the Premiership. They face a huge challenge in Motherwell at Fir Park in midweek.

Sport

Derek McInnes urges Hearts players to remain focused on title challenge

Hearts could win the title on Wednesday if they defeat Falkirk at Tynecastle and Celtic lose at Motherwell

The permutations for Hearts and Celtic

IF both teams win, it will go to the last day. Hearts can afford a draw to win the title.

IF Hearts win and Celtic lose, the Jambos will be crowned champions.

IF Hearts draw and Celtic win on Wednesday night, Celtic could afford to draw on the final day to win the title.

IF Hearts win and Celtic draw, Hearts would be three ahead with a superior goal difference.

IF Hearts lose and Celtic draw, it will go to the last day. The two teams would be level on points.

IF Hearts lose and Celtic win, Celtic would be two points ahead and could afford to draw to win.

IF both teams lose or draw, it will go to the last day. Hearts would be one clear.

Could the league be decided on the final day?

It is looking increasingly likely that the title will be decided in Glasgow’s east end on Saturday.

In 2005, Rangers clinched the league title on a final day filled with drama as Celtic fell to defeat at Motherwell despite being two points ahead going into the last game.

In 1986, the last time Hearts came this close to a title triumph, they lost the league on the final day to Dundee after a run of 27 games unbeaten.

It was Celtic who put five goals past St Mirren to draw level on points with the Jambos, clinching the title at the final whistle thanks to their superior goal difference.

Hearts will be hoping there’s no repeat of that heartache almost 40 years on.