Top Six Fixture Intrigue - What Will Rangers Fixtures Be Post-Split?

Last updated : 04 April 2008 By Southside Johnny
As far as Rangers' remaining fixtures are concerned, with two at home and three away the logical conclusion would be that both Dundee United and Motherwell will be visiting Ibrox for a second time while the League leaders will travel to both Parkhead and Easter Road. The remaining away game obviously depends on who makes it through to that sixth spot - with two visits to Tynecastle already undertaken it would be far simpler were either Aberdeen or Falkirk to succeed.

Most 'Gers fans would certainly choose the Westfield ground ahead of Pittodrie - but should Hearts sneak in though the middle then the Ibrox men will be visiting somewhere on SPL business for a third occasion.

Where would that be? A study of previous seasons since the SPL's unique split was introduced in Season 2000-01 illustrates just what a lottery the whole thing is. In that first year Rangers were obliged to play three times at Dundee, whilst the following season it was Dunfermline that had the honour.

With the 2002-03 title race coming down to a single goal it was perhaps just as well that the fixtures worked in perfect equanimity with Rangers' two away games post-split being at Dens Park and Tynecastle - venues they had visited just once already that season - but the following season it was back to the old crazy situation of a third sojourn to, on this occasion, the dreaded Tannadice.

There was outrage when the 2005 post-split fixtures were announced, sending Rangers to Aberdeen for a third time, but given that the alternative would have been Motherwell then, given the events of 'Helicopter Sunday', let's be grateful that everything turned out the way it did.

One year later of course it was second spot that was of more concern with Champions League qualifiers at stake with Hearts holding a narrow advantage going into the last five fixtures. The scheduling was to prove critical - the Tynecastle club hosting Aberdeen for a third time when they should have been travelling to Pittodrie, whilst the Rangers - Hearts game was arranged for the final day by which time it was all settled.

The SPL really surpassed themselves last season, sending Rangers to Easter Road and Hearts to Ibrox for a third time when the reverse would have balanced everything out.

So what will this year bring? If Hearts manage to sneak into the top six, then my money would be on Fir Park, Motherwell hosting the 'Gers for a third time in the SPL.