Although unlikely, it is now mathematically possible for Celtic to win the league before the split. Following their 3-2 victory over The Rangers, Celtic has accumulated 88 points, 12 points ahead of their city rivals, with only 21 points left to play.
Assuming Celtic defeats Kilmarnock at Rugby Park next Sunday, they could potentially secure the title with a victory against Motherwell in the final pre-split game on April 22. However, this scenario depends on the outcome of The Rangers’ pre-split matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen.
If The Rangers lose both matches, a win and a draw for Celtic would be enough to seal the title. But if The Rangers earn two points, or even just one, from their final two games, Celtic can still win the title by winning their own two matches.
However, if The Rangers win at least one of their games in the coming weeks, Celtic cannot clinch the title before the split.
Assuming both teams maintain their current form, there will be a 12-point gap in play going into the final five post-split games. With just 15 points left to play for at that stage, Celtic could potentially clinch the title in their first game after the split, which is scheduled for the weekend of May 6/7.
However, this is unlikely to happen as the first fixture would have to be the final derby game of the season at Ibrox, and Celtic would need to win. It seems improbable that the SPFL would schedule the game with this possibility in mind.
On the other hand, if Celtic faces another team in the first post-split fixture, they could only claim the title that day with a victory and The Rangers slipping up in their respective game.
Therefore, the most realistic scenario for Celtic to win the title would be on matchday two of the top six schedule, with a win on the weekend of May 13/14, regardless of The Rangers’ result, as there will only be nine points left to play for.
