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The context: An Old Firm this late in the season often has the air of a title decider but this season has been different. Hearts, looking to become the first team to break the Celtic-Rangers duopoly for 41 years, lead the Premiership by four points with two games remaining. However the pressure appears to be showing a tad, with Derek McInnes’s side dropping points in a 1-1 draw at Motherwell last night. Hearts were left furious after not being awarded a second-half penalty.
That gives both Celtic and Rangers a chance today, with both teams having this game in hand on the leaders. Celtic are four points back and know they will be champions if they win their last three games – they host Hearts on the final day in a potential all-or-nothing game. After a tumultuous season that has included fan unrest, the disastrous tenure of Wilfried Nancy and a shabby Old Firm record in the league, the title would be some tonic for Martin O’Neill’s side.
As for Rangers, they thought their title hopes were over after defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle last Monday left them eight points back. It is still mathematically possible to overhaul that gap now but Danny Röhl’s side will have to win their last three games and pray (very hard) other results go their way. If the title seems an unrealistic aim then stopping Celtic will at least provide plenty of motivation today.
Preamble
Hello and welcome. The door is ajar in the Scottish Premiership title race. After Hearts’ draw with Motherwell last night, Celtic know that if they win their final three fixtures – starting with the Old Firm today – then they will be champions (bear in mind they host Hearts on the final day next weekend). Rangers also turn up at Parkhead this lunchtime with a spring in their step, with their (very) faint hopes of the title still alive, not to mention the opportunity to set fire to Celtic’s bid.
I’ll bring you buildup and team news before kick-off at noon (BST), then minute-by-minute updates from this, perhaps the, decisive match in the Premiership season. I’d love to hear your thoughts via email, whether you’re Celtic, Rangers, Hearts or a neutral.
The stakes are sky-high and the atmosphere at Celtic Park will be one of a kind. Bring it on.
