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:
1. Marc Leonard - Hearts - OUT
The on loan midfielder could have played his final game in maroon after suffering a season-ending Achilles injury against Motherwell at the weekend. | Getty Images
2. Scott Bain - Falkirk - OUT
The Falkirk number one has missed the last few weeks of action with an ankle injury, and won't return in time to face Hearts. Nicky Hogarth will continue to deputise. | Local Library
3. Harry Milne - Hearts - DOUBT
Hearts boss Derek McInnes has said he "hopes" that the left-back will make his long awaited return against Falkirk, but he remains a doubt for the game after missing several weeks with a calf issue. | SNS Group
4. Louie Marsh - Falkirk - OUT
Another of Falkirk's loanee that is expected to miss the rest of the season, Marsh has an ankle issue. | (Photo: Craig Foy/SNS Group)