Hearts title run-in: everything you need to know as Hearts prepare for title shootout
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Everything you need to know ahead of Hearts’ title defining clash with Celtic
Hearts fans face a nervous wait to see if their team will be crowned Scottish Premiership champions. It comes after a controversial Celtic penalty on Wednesday kept the Glasgow side in the hunt for top spot.
It means Derek McInnes’ side will travel to Celtic Park on Saturday for a straight shootout between the top two sides.
But Jambos will dare to dream that they can collect their first top flight title since 1960. Preparations are underway across the Capital should they do so, including an open-top bus parade.
Here’s what you need to know:
How can Hearts win the SPFL Premiership?
While Derek McInnes will be adamant his side will be going out to get the win at Parkhead on Saturday, Hearts only require a draw to seal their first top flight title since 1960.
Why can Hearts afford to draw?
Hearts can afford a draw, the Jambos are on 80 points, they sit a solitary point ahead of nearest rivals Celtic - ensuring that it all boils down to a tense final day. But it could have been even better.
Going into the dying moments of Wednesday night’s three-nil victory over Falkirk at Tynecastle, the Edinburgh club had a three point lead over Celtic plus an advantage of +6 on goal difference. This would have meant that Celtic needed to beat Hearts by at least three clear goals on the final day.
However, a late, and controversial, penalty to Celtic saw them pick up all three points away to Motherwell. As a result, goal difference is now inconsequential to who lifts the title.
What will happen if Hearts do win the title?
The title will be awarded to either Hearts or Celtic on Saturday, so that means the trophy will be on location at Celtic Park. The 800 Jambos in attendance will be hoping they’ll be watching their side lift the trophy on the pitch after full time.
When will they arrive back at Tynecastle?
It’s unclear when exactly the Hearts players will arrive back at Tynecastle following Saturday’s match, but it is expected that fans will be waiting in their droves to welcome them back.
Will there be a parade?
The parade route has been announced for Sunday, May 17. Should Hearts win the title, it’s expected that tens of thousands of fans will line the streets of the Capital. No start time for the parade has yet been announced, but road closures are in place from 2pm.
The route will follow: High Street, Lawnmarket, Bank Street, North Bank Street, The Mound, Princes Street, Shandwick Place, West Maitland Street, Dalry Road, Gorgie Road and McLeod Street
What roads are set to be closed for the parade?
Gorgie Road, between Ardmillan Terrace and Robertson Avenue, is expected to close between 9am and 8pm on Sunday.
All other roads on the route, and some adjoining roads, will be closed between 2pm and 7pm.
What bus and tram disruption has been announced?
If the victory parade goes ahead, tram services will only operate between Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Park Station, and Picardy Place and Newhaven from the start of the service on Sunday.
Airlink 100 will accept tram tickets from the city centre to the airport. The departure point will be from the east-end of George Street.
Here’s a full list of the bus services being diverted:
Lothian Buses: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 44, 47A
Airlink 100
Lothian Country: 43, X18, X19, X27, X28
East Coast Buses: X4, X7, 113, 124