Hearts Hold Strong in Title Race as Celtic and Rangers Keep Up the Pressure
Derek McInnes remains optimistic about Hearts' title chances despite a missed opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 2-2 draw against bottom-placed Livingston. This result has tightened the race, reducing the gap between the top three teams to just three points following Celtic's late 2-1 victory over Dundee. Hearts still control their destiny with six games remaining, set to face Motherwell next weekend before the split. McInnes emphasized the need for improved defensive performance in future away matches, stating, "We're still in a strong position... We've now got three games at home of the last six." Meanwhile, Celtic bounced back from a previous 2-0 loss against Dundee United thanks to Kelechi Ineahacho's winner, keeping them firmly in the title race. Manager Martin O'Neill highlighted their struggle to convert chances, asserting that success hinges on both capitalizing on opportunities and maintaining solid defense. Rangers, who momentarily topped the table for the first time in two years, are also in the mix. Manager Danny Rohl urged his team to maintain a "hunter" mentality as they prepare for a challenging match against Falkirk. He expressed confidence in his players' potential while acknowledging the long road ahead. Former striker James McFadden concluded that the unpredictable nature of the title race makes it impossible to forecast outcomes, noting that all top teams have dropped points recently. With each team facing challenges, the final weeks of the season promise to be intense and closely contested.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-04-05