Post-split fixtures hand Celtic the chance to win title at Tannadice… or eight days later at Ibrox

Celtic will have the chance to seal the Premiership title at Tannadice after the SPFL revealed they will play Dundee United in their first match of the post-split fixtures on Saturday, April 26.

Brendan Rodgers’ men will need just a point to be crowned champions but, if they lose and Rangers win away to St Mirren later that day, the Parkhead side would then be looking to wrap things up in the final Old Firm derby of the season scheduled for Ibrox on Sunday, May 4.

That’s a scenario which the authorities, and particularly the police, are normally keen to avoid given the potential for trouble among fans.

Celtic supporters hoping for a title party at Parkhead in the first game after the split will be disappointed, but Sky Sports have the rights to screen up to five Premiership games per club each season and have already used up four slots at Celtic Park.

The broadcasters will likely want to use the remaining slot for the final game of the season, which in Celtic’s case is at home to St Mirren on Saturday, May 17, when the league winners are presented with the trophy.

Celtic, who are currently 15 points ahead of Rangers and boast a vastly superior goal difference, were set to be crowned champions last Sunday before the Ibrox side equalised in stoppage time against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Rangers’ Ianis Hagi made Celtic wait for their party with a late equaliser against Aberdeen 

Hibs boss David Gray will face his team’s nearest challengers in their first two post-split games

In-form Hibs play their two nearest pursuers in the race for third place in their first two matches after the split, with a trip to fifth-placed Aberdeen followed by a home match against fourth-placed United.

St Johnstone, five points adrift at the foot of the table, visit Motherwell in their next fixture.

For the first time since season 2017-18, the SPFL say it has not been possible to ensure all clubs will have 19 home games and 19 away across the campaign.

In the top six, therefore, St Mirren will play 20 home fixtures and, in the bottom, Motherwell will have 18 home games.

The SPFL pointed out that Motherwell were the last club to gain a home game when a 19/19 balance could not be achieved in 2017-18.

Calum Beattie, SPFL chief operating officer, said: ‘It was another hugely exciting weekend of football, with three clubs going into Saturday’s matches separated by only a single point in the battle for the final top-six place and St Mirren making the cut with a late winner.

‘I’m pleased to be able to publish the fixtures and TV selections for the remaining five rounds of the William Hill Premiership. There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season, with the title, European qualification and relegation places all on the line. It all gets started with a huge match at Tannadice on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports.’

Top-six fixtures (3pm unless stated)

Sat, April 26: *Dundee Utd v Celtic (12.30pm), Aberdeen v Hibernian, St Mirren v Rangers.

Sat, May 3: Hibernian v Dundee Utd, St Mirren v Aberdeen. 

Sun, May 4: *Rangers v Celtic (12noon).

Sat, May 10: Celtic v Hibernian, Dundee Utd v St Mirren. 

Sun, May 11: *Rangers v Aberdeen (12noon).

Wed, May 14: Aberdeen v Celtic, Rangers v Dundee Utd, St Mirren v Hibernian (all 7.45pm).

Sat, May 17: *Celtic v St Mirren, Dundee Utd v Aberdeen, Hibernian v Rangers (all 12.30pm).

Bottom-six fixtures (3pm unless stated)

Sat, April 26: Hearts v Dundee, Kilmarnock v Ross County, Motherwell v St Johnstone.

Sat, May 3: Dundee v Motherwell, Ross County v Hearts, St Johnstone v Kilmarnock.

Sat, May 10: Hearts v Motherwell, Kilmarnock v Dundee, St Johnstone v Ross County.

Wed, May 14: Dundee v Ross County, Hearts v St Johnstone, Motherwell v Kilmarnock (all 7.45pm).

Sun, May 18: Kilmarnock v Hearts, Ross County v Motherwell, St Johnstone v Dundee.

*Indicates LIVE on Sky Sports