The Scottish Premiership returns after the worldwide break and, with the tip of the season quick approaching, there may be a lot nonetheless to be determined.
It’s a case of when and never if Celtic win the title however, with three video games till the break up, there are a couple of groups nonetheless chasing a spot within the prime six.
And with simply 9 factors between eighth and twelfth, the relegation battle seems set to go to the wire.
When can Celtic win the title?
Their shock defeat to Rangers earlier than the break has delayed Celtic’s title occasion, however there may be nonetheless an opportunity they might clinch the title earlier than the break up.
Brendan Rodgers’ aspect want 12 factors to wrap up their thirteenth title in 14 years.
So in the event that they win their subsequent three, beginning at residence to Hearts on Saturday, and Rangers drop any factors then the championship might be wrapped up earlier than Easter.
If Barry Ferguson’s aspect proceed their profitable run, then Celtic can safe the title of their first match after the break up.
Will probably be Celtic’s fourth consecutive league title and fifty fifth total within the membership’s historical past.
Race for prime six
Celtic and Rangers are already assured of their locations within the prime half of the desk, with Hibernian, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts occupying the remaining spots.
However Motherwell, St Mirren and Ross County are nonetheless in competition with the battle set to go to the wire.
Even Kilmarnock in tenth have an outdoor probability of creeping into the highest six, though they would want lots to go of their favour.
It could take a monumental collapse for Hibs to drop out – they’re third, six factors above Motherwell in seventh.
With residence matches towards the league’s backside two sides – St Johnstone and Dundee – both aspect of a visit to Ibrox to face Rangers the chances are in David Grey’s favour.
Aberdeen have refound some kind after a dismal winless run and are additionally all however sure to maintain their place. They sit fourth forward of going through Motherwell and Ross County earlier than taking up Rangers.
Dundee United and Hearts sit fifth and sixth, however have some work to do to ensure their locations.
Hearts face a tricky journey to Celtic on Saturday earlier than video games towards United and Motherwell.
United play Ross County and St Johnstone both aspect of their journey to Tynecastle, whereas the Steelmen can nonetheless stake a declare given they need to play Hearts in addition to Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.
St Mirren and Ross County are three factors behind Motherwell with an opportunity of nonetheless creeping into the highest half of the desk.
Kilmarnock have a slim hope, however they should make up seven factors on Hearts once they tackle St Mirren and Motherwell previous a go to to Celtic Park.
Relegation battle
Whereas Killie may nonetheless climb into the highest six, their precarious place sees them additionally at risk of the drop.
Derek McInnes’ aspect are six factors from the underside of the desk and only one above the relegation play-off place.
After a robust return to the Premiership and a prime six end, Dundee are in actual hazard of dropping again to the Championship.
They’re in eleventh, with their spectacular win towards metropolis rivals United final day trip conserving them 5 factors from the automated drop.
The Darkish Blues face Rangers on Saturday, stay on Sky Sports activities, a aspect they’re unbeaten towards at Dens Park since November 2023.
Earlier within the season, St Johnstone’s destiny appeared sure, however Simo Valakari’s aspect have managed to slender the hole on the foot of the desk.
They’re unbeaten of their final three however with a visit to Hibernian earlier than a house sport towards title-chasing Celtic, stay on Sky Sports activities, it is going to be robust for them to proceed that run earlier than the break up.
The Perth aspect have been a relentless within the top-flight since 2009, narrowly escaping the relegation play-off final season.