What now for 'epic' Scottish title race after Old Firm draw?

ByNick McPheat

BBC Sport Scotland

"This title run-in is going to be epic."

That was the view of former Celtic striker Chris Sutton after he had just watched his old side stage a two-goal comeback in a seismic Old Firm derby.

However, even after that second-half fightback at the home of their city rivals, Hearts still ended the day as the big winners, watching the carnage unfold after grinding out another win 24 hours prior.

Following an enthralling 2-2 draw at Ibrox, Derek McInnes' Scottish Premiership leaders are six points clear of Rangers and eight ahead of Celtic, who have a game in hand against Aberdeen on Wednesday.

Motherwell also have a match to spare and sit fourth, 10 points adrift of the summit but within touching distance of the Glasgow pair.

So, amid one of the most captivating title fights in the history of Scotland's top flight, what is the state of play for each of the four clubs involved?

When people expect Hearts to stall, they motor.

A 4-2 defeat to Rangers a fortnight ago seemed damaging at the time, but two weeks and two 1-0 wins later, it feels they are now in a stronger position than ever before with the finish line drawing closer.

If Celtic beat Aberdeen on Wednesday, Hearts will still be five clear with nine to play.

Two of the Jambos' next three fixtures are against the bottom two, with a visit from Dundee sandwiched in between.

Football is not played on paper, but McInnes' side will be strong favourites to win each of their next three before Motherwell come to Tynecastle in their final pre-split encounter.

In the aftermath of the narrow victory over Aberdeen on Saturday, former Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson said: "I think Hearts will win the league. I genuinely do.

"I cannot see them buckling. I cannot see them losing three or four games. I just can't see Hearts losing the title now."

Remaining opponents before split: Kilmarnock (A); Dundee (H); Livingston (A); Motherwell (H).

Potential maximum points haul: 90

Some statement January business from Rangers was expected to propel them into being title favourites. Last month's win over Hearts only added to that.

However, they are proving to become unpredictable under Danny Rohl and worries about the Ibrox side's mentality are resurfacing.

Rangers have only lost once in the league under the German, who has done an impressive job to drag the team back into contention after Russell Martin's dismal reign, but four draws in their past six league outings have prompted questions.

They lacked creativity in a goalless draw at Hibernian last month, surrendered leads to Motherwell and Celtic, and had to come from two down to rescue a point at bottom side Livingston.

Following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Celtic, former Rangers and Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday suggested Rohl might have regretted his second-half approach.

"Rangers completely dominated the first 45 minutes, played forward, played with loads of energy," the Motherwell man said. "It was completely roles reversed in the second half.

"Is there an element of frustration from Rohl and his staff that it almost felt like Rangers tried to hold on to what they had instead of trying to continue what was working ever so successfully for them in the first half?".

Remaining opponents before split: St Mirren (A); Aberdeen (H); Dundee Utd (H); Falkirk (A).

Potential maximum points haul: 84

At half-time at Ibrox on Sunday, most had started to write off Celtic's title hopes.

O'Neill's side were heading for a second straight league defeat that would have left them nine points adrift off Hearts and five off Rangers.

Even with a game in hand, their chances felt slim. However, a rousing response from the reigning champions underlined their credentials.

As far as mentality goes, they have the manager and players most equipped at dealing with the psychological aspect of a title fight.

However, concerns about the team's performance level will remain, even after an impressive fightback in Govan.

O'Neill's side have now conceded the opening goal in five of their past seven games across all competitions, securing victories in three of those five matches.

"Celtic were so far second best in that first half," former Scotland winger Pat Nevin said. "Rangers played so superbly well. They had so many opportunities to make it three, which almost certainly would've killed it off.

"O'Neill made a couple of changes and those changes made a massive difference. The one thing you will say about this Celtic team, it doesn't matter where they are, they don't give up."

Remaining opponents before split: Aberdeen (A); Motherwell (H); Dundee Utd (A); Dundee (A); St Mirren (H).

Potential maximum points haul: 85

The fact Motherwell are even in the title conversation in March highlights just how unbelievable this season has been.

The numbers Jens Berthel Askou's men are posting are equally as mind-boggling following their comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Dundee United.

The Fir Park side have lost just once in their past 20 league matches. They have kept 14 clean sheets in that run, all while playing the most expansive football in the country.

They have already set a new club milestone for clean sheets in a single season and are on track to smash their record for goals conceded in a 38-game top-flight campaign.

A few too many draws at the start of the season is the reason they are not closer to the summit, and that may mean they need to be faultless in their final fixtures to have a chance of winning their first top-tier title in almost 100 years.

They will play Hearts twice in their last six games, though, which forms part of a challenging finale to their season.

A win in their game in hand at Dundee next Saturday will move them to within seven points of the leaders, but they will then face top-six opposition in their final nine matches.

That said, Askou's fearless side should embrace what could be a truly special conclusion to the season for a club who have not been Scottish champions since 1932.

Remaining opponents before split: Dundee (A); Celtic (A); Hibernian (H); Falkirk (H); Hearts (A).

Potential maximum points haul: 84