Motherwell v Hearts: Crucial showdown in Scottish Premiership race

Hearts face Motherwell on Saturday night in a crucial showdown that could see the Edinburgh side crowned the first non-Old Firm winners of the Scottish Premiership in more than 40 years.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes admits the next week is the “biggest of his managerial career”.

They need a maximum of seven more points to win their first Scottish title since 1960.

The Jambos’ impressive season is perhaps personified by the fact that they remain undefeated at home all campaign.

McInnes told Sky News he’s trying to take each game as it comes with them facing a tricky trip to Motherwell in the Premiership on Saturday. Kick-off is at 8pm.

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Title race: Three to go for Hearts and Celtic as Rangers falter

Hearts, who haven’t won the title since 1960, have led the pack for most of the season and are closing in on history

Should they beat Motherwell away and Falkirk at home, assuming Celtic take full points from the Old Firm and a game against Motherwell, Hearts would be three ahead on the final day.

That means Celtic could tie their rivals with a win on the final day, but would need to beat Hearts by a handful of goals.

“Motherwell I think for us is vitally important and I think you can tie yourself in knots looking at all the different connotations about, ‘oh if you win there and they lose there’,” he said.

“I think it’s so important we just focus on ourselves and you know that’s the message to the players that’s the message to myself.”

Also on Saturday, Hibs are away to Falkirk and in the bottom six, already-relegated Livingston are at Dundee, Aberdeen host Dundee United and Kilmarnock have a trip to St Mirren.

Title rivals Celtic and Rangers face each on Sunday.