Steven Naismith states how Hearts can soar 'straight to the title' as post split fixture debate addressed
Hearts are going down to the wire with Rangers and Celtic in a fight for Premiership superiority.
Steven Naismith sees how Hearts can propel themselves over the Premiership title race finishing line - as the former Hearts boss and current Scotland national team assistant weighs in on post-split fixture scheduling.
The Jambos face Motherwell this weekend at Tynecastle before their final five matches against top six opposition. Debate has rumbled this week after the Jambos were told a trip to defending champions Celtic awaits on the final day, in what could be a trophy shootout. Their home clash with Rangers is also scheduled for 5:30pm on May’s bank holiday Monday.
Currently, Derek McInnes’ side lead the way by a point, ahead of Rangers in second by that margin, with the Hoops three off their pace. With the trio playing at a variety of different times and dates across the post-split landscape, former Jambos manager and attacker Naismith can see how the scheduling becomes a factor.
Will post split fixture schedule impact Hearts title chances?
Naismith said as he appeared on the Warm Up alongside Celtic hero Chris Sutton and Rangers legend Kris Boyd: “On the split, I think it does have its advantages and disadvantages. The time you play the games, who you're playing, and when. But I think for the three teams, there is not somebody who's blowing teams away, especially when they take the lead as we've seen in recent fixtures. I think there will be twists and turns in it. I think Celtic having two home out the first three, Hearts and Rangers having two away at the first three, and also when the kick-offs are will play a part.”
It was then put to Naismith by Boyd that ‘it sounds as if he’s still got that Hearts head on, moaning and complaining,’ but he responded when asked for alternatives: “I don't think when the fixtures come out that anybody is sitting with a big gripe but I think it'll have an impact. As we've seen in the recent weeks, the team playing first, if you get the win it puts so much more pressure on the teams behind you.
“I think for all three teams, the home advantage is big. Going away from home, none of the three have looked as comfortable and as assured, as maybe in recent years. So I think that will play a part. I don't think it's in terms of we've got to play this team away and this one at home. It's the timings of the games which is just part and parcel of having a title race. The TV will decide when they want games and you need to deal with it.”
Steven Naismith on Premiership title race
Naismith then looked ahead to what awaits Hearts the rest of the season, and believes if they can get through the first three post-split games and remain in a good position, then title joy is waiting to be unlocked. They begin their final five at Hibs before facing Rangers in Gorgie and Motherwell at Fir Park, the Scotland coach adding: “I think in every derby this season, they've looked like derbies. There's not been great quality in the games.
“They've been really tight, late goals. The first three games for Hearts, if you get through them, I think you've then got the momentum to go on and win the league. If you can go and beat your Edinburgh rivals, if you can beat Rangers, then I think that pushes you straight to the title. Regardless of the result at the weekend, Hearts are still in tight position at the top. Whether they win or lose or draw against Motherwell. But that next three games, if you can beat the Hibs and Rangers, it does massive amounts for you.
“Motherwell's performances against Hearts have been excellent in all the games. Probably not got the results they deserved in them in the past. Hearts have dealt with their big games the best. They've taken more points off both Rangers and Celtic. They've not really looked like they're going to get defeated in any of the games but so close to the final whistle in terms of getting your hands on the trophy. These games are totally different because one mistake can be a massive, massive problem, and it can cost you the points.”
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly