Fixture decision today: May 5 likely for Celtic-Rangers

The SPL are hoping to announce the post-split fixtures today and finally name the date for the final Celtic-Rangers fixture.

Whoever it was that said that there would never be a Celtic-Rangers title decider/clincher really has dropped the SPL in it with the same scenario played out virtually every season.

With Rangers six points away from clinching the championship, or two matches away, the least problematic date for the match looks like being Wednesday May 5.

Saturday May 1 could be considered but an additional factor to the equation is that the police don't seem to like Celtic playing Rangers on a bank holiday weekend although they haven't had any additional problems with fixtures over the festive season.

A midweek fixture isn't ideal but is probably considered the least problematic but again puts out long distance Celtic fans who have only had four Saturday home matches this season.

All being well for the SPL the top six will be decided today with Hearts requiring a draw or a St Johnstone defeat to secure their place in the top six.

If that comes to pass the fixtures will be published tonight, if not it's back to plan B tomorrow including St Johnstone.

As ever there will be anomolies around with Celtic having played Dundee United, Hibs, Motherwell and Hearts at home twice already this season.

Celtic are due three home matches after the split meaning that two clubs can expect a third trip to Celtic Park- will one of those clubs be Dundee United with both clubs contending for second place?

There is no easy solution to the fixture issue created by the split but perhaps the SPL should issue the full fixtures at the start of the season based on the previous season's standings.

Although there is virtually no chance of the same teams finishing in the top six it would create a framework for the fixtures rather than leave supporters trying to second guess what's going on.

Last season's fixtures provided their share of controversy with the timing of the Rangers-Celtic game allowing Madjid Bougherra to return from suspension and giving Rangers three home games with Hearts and three away to Hibs.

Click here later today for the post-split fixtures- Hearts, Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and St Johnstone permitting!