Time is running out for Celtic to secure a fifth consecutive Scottish Premiership title and they will need to have form that is bordering on faultless to finish above Hearts at the end of the season.
With nine games to go, the Bhoys are five points behind the Jambos, who are aiming to become the first side outside of Celtic and Rangers to win the Scottish top flight in 1985, when Aberdeen lifted the title under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Martin O’Neill’s side can still do it, but it will require something special to get over the line.
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How many points will Celtic end the season with?
Will it be enough to win the league? 😅
Celtic must win almost all of their games to win the league
As it stands, Hearts lead the way at the top of the table with 63 points, averaging 2.17 points per game. Celtic, on the other hand, have 58 and average 2.00 points per game. This time last season, they were averaging 2.42 per game.
Derek McInnes’ side are projected to finish on 84-87 points, which means that Celtic would need to pick up around 28 points from their nine games to defend their crown.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  Heart Of MidlothianHeart Of Midlothian | 29 | 19 | 6 | 4 | 52 | 24 | 28 | 63 |
| 2 |  CelticCeltic | 29 | 18 | 4 | 7 | 53 | 31 | 22 | 58 |
That would require eight wins and one draw while the Jambos will have to drop points at least once.
Celtic can finish with a points tally of 85 points at the very best, but are six goals worse off in terms of goal difference, which could be worth an extra point to Hearts.
Celtic vs Hearts will be the title decider
Will we hunt Hearts down and win the title?
If Celtic are hoping that Hearts drop points in any game between now and May, they can make that happen themselves.
The post-split fixtures will see the Edinburgh club travel to Celtic Park for an all-important showdown.
A draw may not be enough, so winning at home would really help and put the pressure on.
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