Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Celtic Needs Hearts Win to Clinch Title Race

4/28/2026

37 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Celtic Must Win

Celtic must beat Hearts on Saturday 16 May to win the Premiership.
Hearts lead with 70 points, while Rangers sit on 69 and Celtic on 67 with five games left.
Bet365 lists Rangers as 21/20 favourites while Boyle Sports offers Hearts at 11/4.
Celtic also must defeat Rangers in the Glasgow Derby on Sunday 10 May and then win against Falkirk and Hibernian to stay in the race.

Summary

Motherwell Surge

Motherwell's recent surge turned them into a surprise force in the Premiership after a Sunday win and a December 5-0 demolition of Celtic at Fir Park.
The team built a three-goal lead at Tynecastle before Hearts salvaged a point.
Motherwell later delivered a five-goal thrashing of St Mirren in Paisley.
Manager Steven Askou praised the squad’s talent and composure, insisting they aim to win every game and refuse a top-six finish.

Summary

Lineker Baffled

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards said on a podcast they do not understand the Scottish Premiership split system.
They described the format as bonkers and said they have never played in Scotland.
Lineker noted Rangers surrendered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2, with Hearts rallying and Hibs receiving two red cards.
Richards joked someone from Scottish football should explain the system, highlighting growing international interest as the title race tightens.

Summary

Rangers Pursue Title

Rangers will travel to Hearts on the 4 May bank holiday ready to show a reaction, manager Danny Rohl said.
Rohl warned they cannot afford a loss because they sit four points behind Hearts after a 3-2 home defeat to Motherwell.
He called the visit “seismic,” pledged to lead the group personally, said “I’m strong enough and it’s not over,” and added that the result will decide the title-race direction.

History

Historical Context

Rangers’ dominance began in 1988-89, producing nine straight titles; the eighth came in 1995-96 when they finished four points ahead of Celtic, and the ninth was sealed on 7 May 1997 with a 1-0 win at Dundee United. That era of decisive Old Firm clashes echoes today’s five-game sprint, where Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Motherwell and Steven Askou’s side battle for the lead.

1 of 5

Celtic Must Win

Celtic must beat Hearts on Saturday 16 May to win the Premiership.
Hearts lead with 70 points, while Rangers sit on 69 and Celtic on 67 with five games left.
Bet365 lists Rangers as 21/20 favourites while Boyle Sports offers Hearts at 11/4.
Celtic also must defeat Rangers in the Glasgow Derby on Sunday 10 May and then win against Falkirk and Hibernian to stay in the race.

1 / 5