Scottish Title Race Heats Up: Hearts Lead as Rangers and Celtic Battle

For 138 years, Rangers and Celtic have dominated Scottish football, their Old Firm clashes central to determining the league champion. However, the 2025-2026 season has witnessed the emergence of a genuine three-way title race, with Hearts leading the charge and potentially a fourth contender in Motherwell gaining momentum.

The Current Landscape

As of February 25, 2026, Hearts of Midlothian sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, four points clear of Rangers. Celtic trails closely behind, three points off the summit with a game in hand. Motherwell, enjoying an impressive eight-game winning run, are also in contention, ten points behind Hearts but with a game in hand, making a late surge possible.

Sunday’s Crucial Old Firm Clash

The upcoming Old Firm derby between Rangers and Celtic on March 1st is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the season. Sky Sports pundits Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton agree that the outcome could significantly narrow the field of contenders. Sutton believes a draw would favor Hearts, while Boyd asserts that the loser of the match will likely be eliminated from the title race.

Expert Analysis: Sutton and Boyd Weigh In

Chris Sutton, speaking on Sky Sports, highlighted Rangers’ current form and the contrasting situations at both clubs. He stated that Rangers are currently the favorites for Sunday’s match, citing a more “harmonious” atmosphere within the club compared to Celtic, who have faced internal challenges this season. Sutton also pointed to Celtic’s perceived weakness in the January transfer window, stating they “lost the arms race” in recruitment.

Kris Boyd echoed the sentiment that the Old Firm clash is decisive, particularly for Celtic. He emphasized Rangers’ recent struggles away from home, noting that their inability to secure victories at venues like Livingston raises concerns about their consistency. Boyd stressed the importance of Rangers winning at Ibrox to maintain their title challenge.

Hearts’ Strong Position

Despite the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, Hearts have quietly established themselves as the team to beat. Sutton believes Hearts are still the favorites to win the title, noting their consistent performance throughout the season and questioning why they would suddenly falter. Hearts boast a strong goal difference, with a per-game average of almost a plus one, while Celtic’s is almost minus 1.5, indicating a significant advantage in scoring.

Looking Ahead

The Scottish Premiership title race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Hearts in a strong position, and Rangers and Celtic battling for second place, the remaining fixtures promise drama and intrigue. The outcome of Sunday’s Old Firm clash will undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling final stretch of the season.