Then there were two.
The most memorable season in the Scottish Premiership was the battle between Hearts and Celtic.
Rangers’ hopes are all but over, but manager Danny Rohr’s side still have a say in the outcome of this dramatic title race.
Despite returning to the title race for the first time in five years, consecutive defeats left them seven points behind leaders Hearts and four points behind Celtic with three games remaining.
They headed to Tynecastle Park on Monday thinking they had to win to realistically stay in the race. A 2-1 defeat meant the Old Firm rivals’ hopes were over.
If Hearts beat Motherwell on Saturday and Rangers beat Celtic on Sunday, the Hoops would be six points clear with two games remaining. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Derek McInnes’ side could win their first top-flight title since 1960 if they can avoid defeat at Falkirk on May 13. Given that they are undefeated against Gorgie this season, I would favor them to get at least one point to make history.
Rangers fans want to stop Celtic from winning their 14th title in the past 15 seasons, but there is also the added motivation of European football.
A win against Parkhead would move Rolle’s side within points of the Hoops, meaning they still have a chance to finish second and qualify for next season’s Champions League.
If they finish third and Celtic lose in the Scottish Cup final, they will be eliminated from the Conference League.
Sounds easy, right?
The deciding factor on the final day?
Hearts are still in the lead, but Celtic have title-winning experience and are firmly in the hunt for the title.
Although they are behind by three points and goal difference, they will host Hearts on the final day of the season.
Manager Martin O’Neill will be hoping his title rivals drop points against Motherwell on Saturday or at home to Falkirk on Wednesday.
But if that fails, it’s still in their hands. A win against Rangers on Sunday and a win at Motherwell in midweek could mean they could win on goal difference if they beat Hearts.
The final day of the most unforgettable season awaits.
Sutton: Tavernier has a “pea heart.”
Monday’s night at Tynecastle was to be one to remember for soon-to-be-departed Rangers captain James Tavanier. He made his 564th appearance for the club, moving him into fifth place on the all-time appearances list.
However, the 34-year-old’s defending was called into question for Hearts’ two goals, with Chris Sutton forced to criticize the full-back’s heart at key moments.
Former Celtic striker Sutton said after the game: “Look at the Rangers captain (Tavernier). That sums up his entire time at Rangers.”
“He has a heart of a pea. He’s bad at both goals and he’ll react.
“He should have seen the danger and tried to stop it. He was so lazy that he killed the team there.”


