"It isn't the traditional Boxing Day card in the Scottish Premiership this season, but the 27 December fixture list is still one to look forward to, with significant matches at the top and bottom of the division. Hibernian welcome Edinburgh rivals Hearts to Easter Road in Saturday's early kick-off, defending champions Celtic go to bottom club Livingston, while it's fourth v third at Ibrox as Rangers host Motherwell. Struggling Kilmarnock travel to Paisley to face St Mirren, Dundee host Falkirk."
"Rangers' match against Motherwell certainly catches the eye, but Saturday's standout fixture is undoubtedly the Edinburgh derby - 150 years and two days on from the first meeting of the sides. Hearts have the opportunity to strengthen their grip on top spot and could go nine points clear if they win and Livingston shock Celtic at Almondvale. Regardless of events in West Lothian, Hearts boss Derek McInnes knows a win would provide further momentum to take into 2026."
"For Hibs, not only is there the tantalising prospect of stalling Hearts' title challenge, but also the knowledge that three points could take them within one point of Rangers in fourth. It was a tightly fought contest in the first Edinburgh derby of the season back in October, but Hearts defender Craig Halkett scored the only goal in the 91st minute, volleying home Sabah Kerjota's cross."
The 27 December Scottish Premiership fixture list features high-stakes matches affecting both the title race and relegation battle. Hibernian host Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Easter Road, while Celtic travel to bottom club Livingston and Rangers face Motherwell at Ibrox. Hearts can extend their lead to nine points with a win and a Celtic defeat, and a victory would boost momentum heading into 2026 after recent wins over both Old Firm sides. Hibs could move to within one point of fourth-placed Rangers with a win. October's derby was decided by Craig Halkett's 91st-minute volley. Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate leads the league in chances created from open play, and Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis has one of the highest expected-assist totals.
Read at www.bbc.com
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