SPFL post-split fixtures announced as sides learn key dates for run-in
Celtic will be looking to seal the Scottish Premiership title at the earliest opportunity against Hearts at Tynecastle next week, with the announcement of the post-split fixtures today setting up the final weeks of the season.
The Hoops need just one win from their five remaining matches to secure back-to-back titles, and could clinch the trophy against Rangers were they to miss out against the Jambos, as the final Old Firm of the season is to be played at Ibrox on Saturday 13 May.
The champions moved 13 points clear of their Glasgow rivals with a 1-1 draw against Motherwell at Parkhead on Saturday, benefitting from the Gers’ 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen yesterday.
They will have an immediate chance for revenge against the Dons, who have been drawn to travel to Ibrox this Sunday and will hope to tighten their grip on third position; they hold a five-point lead over fourth placed Hearts.
The Edinburgh side, who ended a run of six consecutive defeats in all competitions with a 6-1 victory over bottom side Ross County at the weekend, are under the guidance of interim manager Steven Naismith and are looking to match their exploits from last year, when they finished as the best of the rest behind the Old Firm.
The announcement of the fixtures has caused controversy due to all five televised matches post-split involving one of the two Glasgow sides, meaning that none of the fixtures in the bottom half will be shown live on Sky Sports, despite just six points separating the teams from ninth to twelfth.
The final Edinburgh derby of the season on the last day at Tynecastle has also been snubbed for live coverage, in favour of what will likely be Celtic’s trophy lift day at home to Aberdeen.
Press and Journal columnist and Ross County supporter Peter Mackay is disappointed in the decisions taken by Sky, saying: “It’s poor having no bottom six games televised.
“There are going to be some very big matches being played, especially Kilmarnock hosting County on the final day – that could decide who stays up.
“It’s heavily playing up to the narrative that it’s a two-team league, when in reality there are far bigger games than whoever one of the Glasgow clubs is playing in another dead rubber.”
