Motherwell peril awaits Hearts & Rangers' panic for second

Breaking news from the world of sport: Hearts have league in sight - what next in title race? Image source, SNSImage caption, Hearts have a three-point lead over Celtic with three games leftByThomas DuncanBBC Sport ScotlandPublished54 minutes agoHeart of Midlothian fans are getting their holiday requests in and scrambling for tickets before Wednesday's game against Falkirk, which they hope will be the mother of all Tynecastle parties. There is still a whole weekend of action to be played though, before the surprise Scottish Premiership leaders are in a position to seal a first top-flight crown since 1960.

Given Derek McInnes' side play first - on Saturday against Motherwell (20:00 BST) - they have the chance to pile the pressure on Celtic before Sunday's Old Firm derby at Celtic Park (12:00). If Hearts have managed to increase their three-point lead over Martin O'Neill's side by the end of the weekend, a win over Falkirk on Wednesday would mean they are champions with a game to spare. But if Celtic emerge from the weekend without any further damage done, they can take it to a final-day showdown with Hearts in Glasgow by beating Motherwell on Wednesday.

Match Details

It will be another few days of excitement and nerve-shredding tension in the Premiership regardless. Celtic could win double - but is change inevitable? Published1 day agoThree becomes two in Premiership title race - fan views Published2 days agoImage source, SportHearts target win over dangerous MotherwellThe comeback win against Rangers was a huge hurdle cleared for Hearts on an emotional Monday evening at Tynecastle.

However, playing Motherwell at Fir Park this season is among the toughest tests in the league. Only Falkirk, twice, have won there and Motherwell have conceded just nine goals in 17 home games - the fewest of any side in the division. Hearts put in a conservative performance to get a 0-0 draw in their other visit back in November.

But even the games at Tynecastle between the sides have been keenly contested. Motherwell were 3-0 up and cruising in August before Claudio Braga inspired a remarkable comeback to earn a draw, in a sign of things to come for Hearts. Then Motherwell pushed Hearts to the final few moments last month before succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

Reactions and Expectations

Had the visitors been more clinical, it could have been a different result. 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 momentumCeltic have not been convincing for most of the season - but are they improving the closer they get to the finish line?

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.