Title race tightens: Celtic and Hearts fans face tough choices in 2026

Celtic and Hearts supporters must decide whether to cheer for rivals in upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures as the title race heats up.

Title fight tightens near end Only four points separate the top three teams with just four matches left in the Scottish Premiership season. Celtic will travel to Hibernian this Sunday at 12:00 BST, while Hearts host Rangers the next day at 17:30 BST. The defending champions sit three points behind league leaders Hearts, meaning a victory at Easter Road would bring them level before the Tynecastle showdown on Monday. Hibs currently trail Motherwell by six points in fourth, with Falkirk five points further back in sixth, as the race for European spots intensifies. ## European dreams hinge on results David Gray’s side faces a steep climb to overhaul Motherwell, but even a fifth-place finish could secure European football in the form of the Conference League’s second qualifying round. This scenario assumes Celtic defeat Dunfermline Athletic and lift the Scottish Cup. A win over Celtic would benefit Hibs not only in the league but also in their Edinburgh rivalry, as they have claimed four points from Celtic Park this season, with their last back-to-back victories over the champions coming in 2007. ## Hearts fan remains realistic about rivalry Hearts supporter Liam Corbett does not expect any special treatment from Celtic at Easter Road. 'They’re not going to throw the game because they’re professional footballers,' he explained. 'But the edge to their game is not going to be there because they’ll know, having sat and watched us gloat and celebrate from Sunday to Sunday, they have an opportunity to put real pressure on Hearts going into the game on the Monday.' ## Rangers' title hopes hang in balance After a 3-2 home loss to Motherwell, Danny Rohl’s team has seen their title dreams grow shakier, now sitting just one point ahead of Celtic but four points off the summit. Supporters face a dilemma, as Rangers desperately need a win to keep their title charge alive, but such a result could inadvertently aid Celtic. If both Celtic and Rangers prevail, Celtic would sit level on points with Hearts, though behind on goal difference but above Rangers. ## Celtic fan eyes Rangers win as silver lining Celtic supporter Paul John Dykes stopped short of outright support for Rangers but acknowledged their plight. 'I’ll stop short at saying that we’re supporting Rangers on Monday night,' he noted. 'But it definitely would be the best result. I absolutely wouldn’t write Rangers off getting a result there because I think that they’re hurting. They’re a bit of a wounded animal.' He added, 'Hearts have meant business all season, Celtic and Rangers have played pass the parcel. We are kind of hoping for a Rangers win because we need snookers, we need snookers due to the goal difference as well.'