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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Braidwood

The Scottish Premiership split explained ahead of potential final day title decider

Scottish Premiership the Scottish Premiership Celtic Hearts Rangers
  • The Scottish Premiership is currently experiencing a rare three-way title race involving Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic with Hearts holding a one-point lead at the top of the table.
  • After the 33rd round of matches this weekend, the league will implement its split system, dividing the teams into a top six and bottom six, who will then play five further fixtures among themselves.
  • This split format is used to ensure a 38-game season for the 12-team league and to intensify the drama in the final stages of the competition.
  • The SPFL has confirmed a potential title decider on the final day, with Hearts scheduled to visit defending champions Celtic on Saturday 16 May.
  • The final day fixtures avoid an Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers due to policing concerns, despite the league's preference for the leading team to play at home.

IN FULL

What is the split? How a fixture computer could decide the three-way Scottish Premiership title race

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