Hearts are tantalizingly close to ending a long wait for Scottish Premiership glory, and according to pundits and insiders, manager Derek McInnes could secure the title with just two games left before the split. The stakes are enormous, and the drama is building as fans and players alike prepare for a potential fairytale finish to the 2025/26 season.
Writing for the Daily Record, Ryan Stevenson lays out a clear scenario: Hearts need six points from their next two fixtures—an away trip to Livingston and a home game against Motherwell—to put themselves in a near-unassailable position. If they achieve that, the flag could already be in the bag for McInnes and his squad even before the post-split games commence. Stevenson believes that even if Hearts were to stumble once afterward, they would still be on course to lift the trophy, given the inconsistencies of their closest rivals, Rangers and Celtic.
Celtic, in particular, appear to be faltering under pressure. Following a defeat to Dundee United, their form has wavered, and Stevenson suggests that their internal friction between fans and boardroom only adds to the likelihood of them missing out. Rangers, though stronger, would need to overcome a tough fixture schedule and face a potentially hostile Hearts at Tynecastle in the post-split period—a scenario that could decide the ultimate winner.
One notable aspect of the conversation around the title race is the speculation about teams “rolling over” for or against Hearts. Stevenson dismisses this as nonsense, emphasizing that players are always motivated to win for themselves and their own clubs, regardless of the broader league picture. Marvin Bartley, formerly of Hibs, exemplifies this mindset. Even if Hearts were on the verge of claiming the league, Bartley and his squad would aim for victory purely for their pride, professionalism, and individual objectives.
Stevenson also calls on the SPFL to maximize the spectacle by arranging the final game of the season as a direct clash between Hearts and Rangers at Tynecastle. He argues that such a showdown would not only be fair, given the competitive landscape, but would provide an unforgettable finale to what has been an electric campaign. Hearts could potentially need just a point from this fixture to clinch the title, which would be a fitting climax for a season defined by momentum, cohesion, and strong leadership.
Manager Derek McInnes has been lauded for instilling consistency in a team that had previously struggled for stability. His calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and ability to maintain squad harmony have been crucial in propelling Hearts into contention for their first top-flight crown in years. With momentum firmly on their side, McInnes’ men are poised to capitalize on their strong start and secure the league with authority.
While Celtic may yet mount a comeback, Stevenson believes that Hearts’ combination of points in hand, squad depth, and form puts them firmly in control. The next 180 minutes, he argues, could be all that is needed to deliver a historic triumph to Tynecastle and ignite celebrations that could stretch long into the summer.
For the fans, the message is clear: focus on the next two games, trust in the system McInnes has built, and prepare for a title-winning party that could define the 2025/26 season for years to come. Hearts are not just close—they are on the brink of glory, and the Premiership flag could soon be flying proudly over Gorgie.
