Hearts will look to take a massive step towards their first Scottish Premiership title in 66 years as they welcome Falkirk to Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night (kick-off: 8pm).
Derek McInnes’ men saw their lead at the top of the table cut to just one point at the weekend with just two games of the season remaining, as Celtic beat Rangers 3-1 to take full advantage of Hearts’ draw with Motherwell the previous day.
Should Hearts beat Falkirk in their final home game of the season, and Martin O’Neill’s men lose to Motherwell on the same night, they’ll be crowned as champions for the first time since 1960. However, should Celtic avoid defeat at Fir Park, then the title race will go into the final day regardless of Hearts’ result, with the two sides facing each other in the final game of the campaign at Parkhead on Sunday.
As for their visitors, Falkirk, are playing largely for pride after their 3-1 weekend home defeat to Hibs left them six points behind their opponents in fifth with just two games remaining. It means the Bairns would need to win their final two games and hope David Gray’s side loses both of theirs, while also overcoming a 20-goal swing in order to leapfrog them into fifth spot.
Ahead of the game at Tynecastle, The Scotsman has all the early team news:
13. Frankie Kent - Hearts - RETURN TO STARTING XI?
The English centre-half is likely to return to the Hearts starting XI as a replacement for the injured Halkett. | SNS Group
14. Tomas Magnusson - Hearts - OUT
One of numerous Jambos players who won't play for the club again this season, the Icelandic midfielder has a thigh injury. | SNS Group
15. Ageu - Hearts - OUT
The Brazilian has endured an injury hit season, and won't feature in the club's final two games of the campaign after suffered a season ending thigh problem earlier this year. | SNS Group
16. Finlay Pollock - Hearts - OUT
The young midfielder is reported to be aiming to return from a long-term hamstring issue before the end of the season, but is facing a race against time with just two games left. | SNS Group