Hearts have league in sight - what next in title race?

Motherwell have already derailed Rangers' title challenge with a 3-2 win at Ibrox a fortnight ago, and Hearts will be well aware of the threat Jens Berthel Askou's side pose.

Given Celtic visit Fir Park on Wednesday, Motherwell could well be the kingmakers as they chase fourth place and European football for themselves.

A Hearts victory would be a giant step towards history and ensure Celtic have no room for error. So far the men in maroon have handled everything thrown at them.

Rangers out to spoil Celtic momentum

Celtic have not been convincing for most of the season - but are they improving the closer they get to the finish line?

The defending champions have won their last four games, their best run of victories in the Premiership since O'Neill took charge for the first time this term in October.

The 74-year-old Northern Irishman is unbeaten in his three derbies in this campaign, too, but all of them have been level after 90 minutes - and only a win will do on Sunday.

Celtic must take advantage of having nearly 60,000 fans roaring them on, their recent form, and the return of right-back and leader Alistair Johnston, to keep Hearts on their toes for the final two games.

Having a manager and players in their ranks who have won league titles before is one of the intangibles of football, but one Celtic need to harness.

Across the city, back-to-back defeats by Motherwell and Hearts have effectively killed Rangers' title dream.

They are seven points behind the league leaders and, realistically, are playing for second place and the spot in the Champions League qualifiers that comes with it.

That incentive, plus the ability to derail Celtic's title challenge is the motivation for Danny Rohl and his under-fire side.

The German had been credited with narrowing a 13-point deficit to Hearts when he took charge in October to a single point, but two losses when it matters most have damaged his standing.

His slowness to react to Motherwell's dominance at Ibrox and Derek McInnes bringing on Blair Spittal at half-time at Tynecastle have raised questions about Rohl's management which he could do with countering on Sunday.

Defeat would consign Rangers to third place for the first time since 2018. Given second is viewed as total failure by fans at Ibrox, that would be seriously chastening.