SPFL bosses will this week unveil the final set of fixtures as the season reaches its climax.
The top and bottom six has been confirmed after Motherwell’s last-gasp draw against Hibs secured Dundee’s place in the top half of the table. Rangers will play Dundee in Wednesday’s rearranged game but league bosses could announce the post-split fixtures before then, with the league standings already set in stone.
Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Dundee are already guaranteed to end the season in the top six, while Hibs, Motherwell, Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Ross County and Livingston have been consigned to the bottom end. The SPFL do have a bit of breathing space with the Scottish Cup semi-finals taking centre stage this weekend, but clubs will be keen to find out their final five league games as soon as possible as they make ticket and security arrangements.
Fixture round 34 – Weekend of April 27/28
Fixture round 35 – Weekend of May 4/5
Fixture round 36 – Weekend of May 11/12
Fixture round 37 – Midweek of May 14/15
Fixture round 38 – Weekend of May 18/19
When will the SPFL announce the post-split fixtures?
The SPFL will be locked in talks with Sky Sports and Police Scotland as they pan out the final five league games of the season.
Now Rangers’ trip to Ross County is out of the way, you can expect Hampden chiefs to release the final batch of fixtures in the coming days. Last year, the league body unveiled the schedule on Tuesday April 25, just a couple of days after matchday 33 had concluded.
A similar timeframe is anticipated this time around once dates and kick-off times have been finalised with exclusive broadcaster partners Sky Sports.
When will Celtic vs Rangers take place?
Rangers’ shock defeat in Dingwall means Celtic are now in the driving seat to secure the title. Brendan Rodgers’ side boast a four point advantage at the top of the table, although Gers can reduce the deficit to a single point if they win their game in hand against Dundee.
Nevertheless, the SPFL will be keen to avoid a potential Old Firm title decider between both clubs when they meet for the final league derby at Parkhead. The first game after the split would be a surprise choice given the tight turnaround for Celtic and Police Scotland to organise for such a high-risk match. It has been done before, though, so we wouldn’t completely rule April 27/28 out.
Perhaps the most sensible date would be matchday 35 on May 4/5 as it would still be impossible for either side to be crowned champions at the final whistle. The second post-split date has been chosen for the final Old Firm league derby in each of the previous two seasons and it’s likely being earmarked again by decision-makers.
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