Is O'Neill's points average enough to win title?

"Since the league was rebranded in 2013, for the champions - Celtic on 11 occasions and Rangers once - the points difference between first and second has been in double figures seven times and other times just below 10 at nine or eight. As things stand, Heart of Midlothian, who have not finished higher than third since 2006, lead the pack by five points, with defending champions Celtic the leaders' nearest challengers."

"Only two of the top four have the same team boss as they did before the season started. Experienced campaigner Derek McInnes joined Hearts shortly after last season and is on the cusp of the first league title of his managerial career, while Jens Berthel Askou has slowly but surely made Motherwell contenders. Under McInnes, Hearts have a 2.17 points per league game average."

"At Celtic, Brendan Rodgers started the campaign in the dugout, seeking the club's fifth successive title. After defeat by Hearts in October, which was Celtic's second straight league loss, Rodgers resigned. In stepped former manager Martin O'Neill for an interim spell, during which Celtic won all five of their league games. Wilfried Nancy was appointed but lasted only eight games, winning only two and losing six."

The Scottish Premiership title race is exceptionally competitive with nine games remaining. Hearts lead by five points over Celtic, with Rangers one point behind Celtic and Motherwell four points further back. This represents a significant departure from recent seasons where champions typically held double-digit point advantages. Derek McInnes at Hearts and Jens Berthel Askou at Motherwell have maintained consistent management, while Celtic experienced multiple managerial changes including Brendan Rodgers' resignation and Wilfried Nancy's brief tenure before Martin O'Neill's return. O'Neill has restored Celtic's consistency following earlier instability. The managerial stability at Hearts and Motherwell contrasts sharply with the upheaval at Celtic and Rangers, potentially influencing the final outcome.

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