The Scottish Premiership is bracing for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025/26 season, as the SPFL has officially announced the much-anticipated post-split fixtures. With just a handful of games remaining, the top flight’s fate hangs in the balance, promising drama for fans across Scotland.
Once again, the league employs its unique split format, dividing the 12-team competition into two groups of six after 33 rounds. The top six will battle for the championship and European spots, while the bottom six fight to avoid relegation. This year, the stakes couldn’t be higher, with Heart of Midlothian, Rangers, and defending champions Celtic locked in a fierce three-way title race. Meanwhile, the bottom half is equally tense, as five teams face the threat of dropping out of the top tier.
Hearts have been the surprise package of the campaign, leading the table for much of the season. Their advantage, however, has narrowed to a single point over Rangers and just three over Celtic, making every remaining fixture crucial. The post-split schedule kicks off following a two-week hiatus for international matches and the Scottish Cup semi-finals, with action resuming on the weekend of April 25-26, 2026.
For the top six, the drama begins on Saturday, April 25, when Celtic host Falkirk at Parkhead in a 5:30pm kickoff. The following day, Rangers entertain Motherwell at Ibrox at 3:00pm, while Hearts face a stern test in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian at Easter Road, with that clash set for 4:30pm. These opening encounters could set the tone for the run-in, as all three title contenders look to gain early momentum.
The fixture list throws up plenty of intrigue. On Monday, May 4, Hearts will welcome Rangers to Tynecastle in a match that could have major implications for the title. With Hearts’ lead so slim, this showdown under the lights promises fireworks. Celtic, meanwhile, travel to face Hibernian on Sunday, May 3, hoping to keep pace with their rivals.
But the biggest date circled on every fan’s calendar is Sunday, May 10, when Celtic and Rangers collide at Parkhead in the final Old Firm derby of the season. Scheduled for a 12 noon kickoff and broadcast live, this clash always delivers passion and, this year, could be pivotal in deciding the destination of the trophy. The SPFL, mindful of security concerns, has avoided making this the last fixture, but its timing—just two rounds from the end—ensures the stakes are sky-high.
Hearts’ journey doesn’t get any easier. On Saturday, May 9, they travel to Fir Park to face Motherwell in an 8:00pm start, before hosting Falkirk at Tynecastle on Wednesday, May 13, at 8:00pm. Rangers, too, have a demanding schedule, with a midweek showdown against Hibernian at Ibrox on May 13. Both teams will need to manage their squads carefully, as fixture congestion and fatigue could play a role in the final standings.
The final day for the top six, Saturday, May 16, is shaping up as a potential title decider. Celtic will host Hearts at Parkhead in a match that could echo through the ages. The last time Hearts played at Celtic Park on such a momentous occasion was 28 years ago, when they famously lifted the Scottish Cup. Could history repeat itself, or will Celtic’s home advantage prove decisive? Simultaneously, Rangers travel to Falkirk, while Hibernian host Motherwell, ensuring all eyes will be glued to the action from noon onwards.
Turning to the bottom six, the battle for survival is just as fierce. Kilmarnock’s campaign begins on Saturday, April 25, with an away trip to Aberdeen at Pittodrie, kicking off at 3:00pm. A week later, on May 2, they host Dundee United at BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, also at 3:00pm. The following Saturday, May 9, sees Kilmarnock travel to Paisley to face St Mirren. Their penultimate match is a home encounter with Dundee on Tuesday, May 12, under the Rugby Park lights at 7:45pm.
The final round of the bottom six takes place on Sunday, May 17, with all matches starting at 2:00pm. Kilmarnock face a daunting away trip to Livingston, a match set to be broadcast live on Premier Sports. Elsewhere, Dundee host Aberdeen and St Mirren entertain Dundee United. With five teams hovering near the relegation zone, every point will be priceless, and the potential for last-day drama is sky-high.
For Kilmarnock, the club is rallying its supporters to back Neil, Billy, and the players as they aim to secure their Premiership status. Club officials have promised that ticket details and hospitality packages for home games will be released soon, with fans encouraged to help “make some noise” and provide the backing needed to “get us over the line.”
The split format, while sometimes controversial, has once again delivered a schedule packed with high-stakes encounters. The SPFL’s efforts to balance home and away fixtures have resulted in some quirks: Falkirk, for instance, will play one extra home game due to fixture imbalances, while Livingston have to contend with an additional away match. These nuances could have an outsized impact on the final standings, especially in the tightly contested bottom half.
As the Premiership heads into its final chapter, key storylines abound. Can Hearts, under the leadership of Derek McInnes, hold their nerve and claim a historic title? Will Rangers, guided by Danny Rohl, or Martin O’Neill’s Celtic mount a late surge to snatch glory? And at the other end, which clubs will summon the resolve to avoid the dreaded drop?
Supporters across Scotland are bracing for a rollercoaster finish. With legendary rivalries, dramatic derbies, and the ever-present threat of last-minute twists, the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership promises to deliver a finale worthy of its passionate following. As the countdown begins, all that’s left is for the teams to take to the pitch and let the football do the talking.
With every fixture now set, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. The destiny of the title, European places, and top-flight survival will all be decided over the next five games. For fans, players, and managers alike, the stage is set for an unforgettable climax to the Scottish football season.