It was another dramatic weekend in the three-horse race for the crown with Hearts taking another giant step towards history
dailyrecord
Monday Jury
06:00, 27 Apr 2026
Dejected Rangers star Mikey Moore
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Dejected Rangers star Mikey Moore(Image: SNS Group)
Is it Hearts’ title to lose now after their Edinburgh derby late show?
ANDY: They are close enough to smell the Brasso on the Premiership trophy. But they need to keep marching forward. Beating Rangers at home a week today would kill off the Ibrox bid and leave Celtic as their only challengers. Derek McInnes can’t allow his men to switch off yet.
MICHAEL: There could still be some dramatic twists but Hearts have taken a huge step towards the title with their derby win. They have the chance to bury Rangers next Monday and there was a hint of destiny about Sunday’s win. The Jambos can almost touch it.
RYAN: The Jambos are certainly in the driving seat, but my money is still on a Celtic triumph. Celts are building momentum and home games against their title rivals could swing the odds in their favour. That said, the league could be done and dusted if the Hoops lose at Hibs and Hearts beat Gers next week.
Danny Rohl says Rangers need to keep believing - but is their championship race run after losing to Motherwell?
ANDY: Not yet - but their title fate no longer rests in their own hands. And while they might get a favour elsewhere, Jekyll and Hyde Gers are just as likely to slip up too. They really have to win away to Hearts and Celtic to stand any chance. But given they’re leaking goals again after shipping nine in the last four games, that doesn’t look likely.
MICHAEL: Not yet. This was a major blow, but if they win at Tynecastle then it’s game on once again. The margin of error is now zero, so it’s win or bust in Gorgie and likewise at Celtic Park. It’s a tall order but there is still a hint of hope.
RYAN: Anything less than three points at Tynecastle could be fatal. A draw in Gorgie and a win at Parkhead would just about keep them in it, but after falling four behind the table-topping Jambos, it’s now out of their hands.
Daizen Maeda has bagged three goals in the space of six days - is it time Martin O’Neill dispensed with his striker tombola and confirmed the Japanese ace as his central striker for the remainder of the season?
ANDY: He’s always been the best man to spearhead their attack for me but given Celtic’s weakness elsewhere up front, he’s had to stay out wide. But now is the moment for him to step up and provide the leadership O’Neill’s team will need down the run in.
MICHAEL: O’Neill clearly doesn’t trust his January loan arrivals so it’ll be up to Maeda to lead the line and Iheanacho will be used as an impact sub. Maeda’s return to form has come at the right time.
Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring
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Celtic's Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring
RYAN: Maeda was sensational on Saturday and has plenty to fight for. Not only a league and Scottish Cup Double, but a money-spinning move in the summer. It’s no coincidence the Japanese buzz ball has rediscovered his spark at the business end, and with Kelechi Iheanacho still unfit, Maeda should absolutely be the man to lead the line.
Arsenal are back on top of the Premier League but only because Manchester City were on FA Cup semi final duty this weekend - can the stuttering Gunners really gun down Pep Guardiola’s side?
ANDY: They’ve got an easier run in than their rivals but questions remain over whether Mikael Arteta’s side can handle the pressure. Saturday’s win over Newcastle was a good start but the edgy ending showed they are still struggling with nerves.
MICHAEL: The Newcastle win was huge for Arsenal and they now have some decent fixtures at good times. It’ll be tight and tense but they can sneak over the line.
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RYAN: Arsenal suffer stage fright every season. They do have a slightly more favourable run-in than Man City, but also have a Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid to contend with. What separates both sides is the winning mentality at the Etihad. And that’s what gives Man City the edge.