Advertisement

Forget Celtic and Rangers, here are the 6 biggest SPFL storylines to look out for this weekend

We know Celtic and Rangers are on a collision course for the title decider at Parkhead later this month.

The Premiership is still up for grabs with just three points dividing Glasgow's big two with four games remaining on the fixtures calendar. Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement will both see their charges in action this weekend against Hearts and Kilmarnock respectively, but there is plenty more football to be played over the course of the coming days and some intriguing storylines to come with it.

The Scottish Championship, League 1 and League 2 may all be sewn up by their champions (Dundee United, Falkirk and Stenhousemuir) but the threat of relegation is still looming large for a number of the 42 clubs in the SPFL.

Football Scotland has today taken a look at some of the major talking points for this weekend's fixture card and what they might mean for the rest of the campaign.

Invincible chasers

Falkirk were confirmed League One champions officially last weekend but there's more to come, potentially, for the Bairns this weekend. John McGlynn's side have been magnificent in the division so far with just eight draws from 35 appearances. Incredibly they've not lost one match in L1 and even one point against third-placed Alloa would see them go through the entire league season unbeaten. A sold-out home section of their stadium will be there to watch it and see them lift the trophy at the end of it all.

Faint Livi hopes

Livingston's win last weekend over fellow strugglers Ross County was perhaps unexpected but it took them to within nine points of Don Cowie's Staggies. There are four games to go in the league and a similarly dramatic victory this weekend over Motherwell would see them push County all the way in the relegation battle - especially if they drop points to Hibs. Alternatively, David Martindale's Lions could be officially relegated if results don't go their way. Either way, it'll be an interesting weekend for their supporters.

Hearts clinching third

The Jambos need the swing of two points to guarantee third spot ahead of Kilmarnock and ensure they're playing Europa League football next season. It's been an excellent campaign for Steven Naismith's side who have beaten this weekend's opponents, Celtic, twice already. Do it for a second time this term at Parkhead and they've done it. If Killie fail to win, they've done it.

Clyde great escape

The Bully Wee were rock bottom of League Two when Ian McCall was appointed back in November but they've roared back with some big results in recent weeks. This weekend sees them come up against Elgin City as they bid to beat the pyramid playoffs in what would be a terrific achievement. They need Bonnyrigg Rose to drop points to Forfar if they're to do it, but wouldn't bet against McCall succeeding.

ICT vs Queen's Park shootout

Both Duncan Ferguson and Callum Davidson would have been hoping to avoid this scenario but it's a straight shootout in their respective games to avoid finishing in the relegation playoff spots. ICT face Morton in Inverness while the Spiders are up against promotion chasers Airdrieonians in the Friday night game. It's sure to be an enthralling one to focus on this weekend.

League 1 relegation scrap

As tense as it gets. It's for all the marbles at the bottom with either Stirling Albion or Annan Athletic staying in the division and the other being condemned to the playoffs. They play one another at Forthbank on Saturday afternoon knowing a win will keep them safe. A draw would see Annan remaining in the division guaranteed as their goal difference is minus 13 compared to Albion's minus 19.