Celtic could well learn their post-split fixtures this week in the Scottish Premiership.
That’s after victory for Falkirk against Motherwell secured a top-six place for John McGlynn’s side, ensuring that we know exactly who will make up both halves of the table.
All eyes will be on the title race, with Martin O’Neill’s men locked in battle with Rangers and Hearts, and the most dramatic moments of the season still ahead of us.
There has been no communication from the league regarding when the fixtures will be announced, due to a number of factors.
Will Celtic win one trophy or complete a domestic double? 🏆
The SPFL and Scottish Cup are up for grabs. LET US KNOW
Final day hurdle to be cleared for release of Celtic’s post-split fixtures
In every season since 2013-14 – the campaign when the league was re-branded from the SPL to the Scottish Premiership – the team at the top of the league at the split has been given the last game at home.
Should the league insist on continuing this tradition, we could be forced to wait until next week for an announcement, as Hearts could still be leapfrogged by Rangers.
READ MORE: Moussa Dembele haunts Brendan Rodgers with goal on awkward Celtic reunion
This is especially a possibility given that Hearts’ next game is against Motherwell, who were pegged back after racing into a 3-0 lead on their last visit to Tynecastle.
However, it isn’t much easier for Rangers; they face a Falkirk side on a high. Celtic would need a four-goal swing on Hearts to move above them.
It would be a significant blow if Derek McInnes’ side lost their top spot before the split, losing the opportunity to play their last league match at home.
A decision is yet to be made on whether or not the league wants to set up a headline fixture on the last day where Hearts host Rangers; this would logistically make sense.
Given the risk-averse approach we’re used to the authorities taking when it comes to Glasgow Derbies, you can safely expect that one to be the first fixture after the split at Celtic Park.
The Celts will also host Hearts at some point, as well as a third home game against Hibs, Falkirk or Motherwell, who have already all visited Parkhead twice this season.
In simple terms, it’s absolutely still in our hands.
Are you renewing your season ticket for next season?
Tell us why
Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s run-in
Asked about the run-in after this weekend’s win over Dundee, Hoops boss O’Neill said: “I think if we had dropped points today, that would have been a long, long way back.
“I’m not saying it was finished, but it was a long way back. But given the fact that Hearts dropped a couple of points today, the games are difficult.
“They are, honestly. They’re really difficult. So we need to try and beat St Mirren next week so that you go into the split. I think we’ve got three at home and two away.
“But there’s no room for us. It seems as if there’s never been any room for us. But if we had dropped points today, I think that would have been a long way back for us.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
