Hearts and Celtic set for Scottish Premiership title decider

Hearts and Celtic are set to contest the Scottish Premiership title on the final day of the season, with Hearts holding a one-point lead after 37 games. The decisive match will take place at Celtic Park, with a 12:30 BST kick-off. Hearts need only avoid defeat to secure their first league title since 1960, while Celtic must win to defend their crown and achieve a fifth consecutive championship.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has described the upcoming match as "bedlam" and "pure box office," expecting an "electric" atmosphere. Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill, 74, stated there is a "reasonable chance" this will be his final home game in charge, having come out of retirement twice this season to rescue the club.

Hearts are unbeaten in three meetings against Celtic this term, including a 3-1 win in October that ended Brendan Rodgers' second spell at Celtic, and a 2-1 victory in December that disrupted Wilfried Nancy's debut. Celtic have suffered eight Premiership losses this season, more than in the previous two campaigns combined, with half occurring during Nancy's short tenure.

Hearts have struggled away from home, losing five and drawing four league games on the road, despite being unbeaten at Tynecastle. Celtic have won seven successive league titles, aiming for a 14th title in 15 years. Hearts have not won the league since 1960, having suffered near misses in 1965 and 1986.

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly offering guidance to Derek McInnes and has been seen at Tynecastle. Don Robertson will referee the match, with Kevin Clancy and Matthew MacDermid handling VAR duties. Recent refereeing controversies include a contentious 99th-minute penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell and a denied penalty for Hearts against Fir Park. Key players to watch include Claudio Braga (two goals against Celtic this season), Daizen Maeda (seven goals in his past five games), and Callum McGregor (24 major trophies).