SPFL

Ahead of the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals, here is everything you need to watch for as eight teams look to take a step closer to silverware. Game of the Round – Rangers v Celtic Unsurprisingly, all eyes turn to Govan this weekend as the country’s two major forces collide, exactly seven days after their last encounter. As if Youssef Chermiti’s overhead kick, a four-goal thriller, and last-minute VAR drama weren’t enough, the return of 7,000 Celtic fans to the Broomloan Road stand adds an extra edge to this historic derby. Last Sunday’s league clash was a fascinating two halves. Rangers flew out of the traps, racing into a 2-0 halftime lead by smothering Celtic with a fierce press and relentless tenacity. However, Martin O’Neill’s tactical astuteness shone through; his proactive substitutions salvaged a late draw. On reflection, his side might feel they could have snatched all three points. That dismal first-half showing will surely force O’Neill’s hand this time around. Reo Hatate and Sebastian Tounetki, in particular, injected the urgency required for that second-half comeback and have made themselves difficult to drop. Conversely, Danny Rohl faces a different puzzle – he must fix the second-half drop-off that saw his side surrender total control. A cauldron awaits on Sunday. With a winner guaranteed and a hostile atmosphere, expect no punches to be pulled at Ibrox. Team Spotlight – Dunfermline Athletic Neil Lennon’s side pulled off a seismic upset in the Scottish Cup fourth round, dumping his former club Hibernian out of the competition to march on. A 92nd-minute Miguel Chaiwa own goal was the ultimate reward for a tireless defensive display, one that followed a professional dispatching of rivals Kelty Hearts. Now, another mouthwatering home tie against Aberdeen awaits. Lennon was present midweek, witnessing the Dons slump to their 16th league defeat of the season against Celtic. With Aberdeen seemingly sleepwalking toward a dismal bottom-six finish, the Irishman will sense blood in the water. For Lennon, the timing could be perfect to book a ticket to the national stadium for a semi-final. Having hoisted the Scottish Cup four times during his tenure in Glasgow, Lennon’s pedigree in this competition is undisputed. The question now is whether he can inspire his determined squad to claim another top-flight scalp and return the club to Hampden for the first time since 2007. Player to Watch – Logan Chalmers Partick Thistle head into Sunday evening’s quarter-final clash against St Mirren brimming with confidence. Sitting pretty in second place in the Scottish Championship, the Jags have become a force to be reckoned with, led by a top goalscorer who continues to thrill the Firhill faithful, Logan Chalmers. The 25-year-old winger finally looks to have found his home at Maryhill. After spells with Dundee United and Ayr, Chalmers is playing the best football of his career, consistently catching the eye with his free-flowing, fearless style on the wings. Manager Mark Wilson grants his star man the tactical freedom to express himself. As the cameras turn to the SMiSA Stadium this Sunday, Chalmers’ individual brilliance will be the vital component if Thistle are to bypass the Premiership opposition and secure a famous cup upset. Scottish Cup Quarter Final Fixtures Friday 6th March – Falkirk v Dundee United – 7:45 pm Saturday 7th March – Dunfermline Athletic v Aberdeen – 7:30 pm Sunday 8th March – Rangers v Celtic – 1:00 pm Sunday 8th March – St Mirren v Partick Thistle – 7:30 pm

A comprehensive new proposal to restructure Scottish football has been launched by supporter and former SPFL scout Joe Quinn, including a restructuring of the league system. The changes aim to improve competitiveness, increase revenue potential, and provide a clearer development pathway from grassroots to professional football. The system is designed to be fair, sustainable, and better suited to a modern footballing environment, with room for expansion and further reform. Overview of the New Structure The existing four-tier system will remain, but with an expansion to three 14- team national divisions: the Premiership, Championship, and League 1. Below League 1, the Lowland League and Highland League will be rebranded as the National League and National League North, respectively, with both becoming officially integrated as part of the SPFL pyramid. The overall structure would be: Premiership (14 teams) – Tier 1 Championship (14 teams) – Tier 2 League 1 (14 teams) – Tier 3 National League (formerly Lowland League) – Tier 4 National League North (formerly Highland League) – Tier 4 Tier 6 Feeder Leagues (West, East, South of Scotland) This expanded system allows for greater movement between divisions, more meaningful competition, and a consistent structure across the professional and semi-professional levels. Premiership (14 teams) The top tier of Scottish football would expand from 12 to 14 clubs. Each club would play every other team twice (home and away) in the regular season, for a total of 26 matches. After this, the league would split into two groups of 7 – a Championship Group (top 7) and a Relegation Group (bottom 7). Teams would then play each club in their group twice more (home and away), adding 12 more fixtures, resulting in a total of 38 matches per team. This structure keeps the excitement of the league split, increases competitiveness, and allows more clubs to compete at the top level. Championship (14 teams) The second tier would mirror the Premiership in size and structure, also expanding to 14 clubs. The split system would be identical: 26 regular fixtures followed by a split into two groups of 7, each playing 12 more matches post- split. This gives every club 38 matches, balancing fixture congestion while maintaining fan interest. The Championship would offer 1 automatic promotion spot to the Premiership, and 1 additional promotion via playoffs involving teams placed 2nd to 5th (explained in section 9). League 1 (14 teams) League 1 would follow the same format as the Premiership and Championship, featuring 14 teams, 38 matches (26 pre-split and 12 post-split), and a mid- season split. This structure makes the lower tiers more exciting and gives clubs in League 1 a clearer, fairer path to promotion and financial growth. League 1 becomes a more meaningful competitive division, rather than being seen as a transitional tier between full-time and part-time football. National League (formerly Lowland League) The current Lowland League will be rebranded as the National League and serve as the SPFL’s Tier 4 division in the southern and central regions of Scotland. Clubs from the East of Scotland League, South of Scotland League, and West of Scotland Premier Division will feed into this league. The aim is to give it formal parity with the National League North (Highland League) and eventually bring both under a professional or semi-professional umbrella with better regulation, licensing, and visibility. National League North (formerly Highland League) The Highland League will be rebranded as the National League North and serve as Tier 4 for northern Scotland. The structure will remain largely the same, but it will now sit officially parallel to the National League. Feeder leagues into the National League North will continue to include the North Caledonian League, the Midlands League, and the North Region Juniors, 16 preserving the regional pyramid while integrating the north more clearly into the national structure. Tier 6 Feeder Leagues At Tier 6, the West of Scotland Football League Premier Division, East of Scotland Premier Division, and South of Scotland Football League will remain in place. These leagues will continue to operate as feeder leagues into the National League (Lowland) system. Promotion from Tier 6 to Tier 4 will be maintained via licensing criteria and a playoff process (e.g., the top eligible clubs from each Tier 6 league competing for promotion). This ensures upward mobility while enforcing minimum standards for facilities, finances, and governance. Fixture Breakdown (Pre- and Post-Split) In the new 14-team leagues (Premiership, Championship, and League 1), each club plays: 26 matches (13 home, 13 away) in the regular season, facing each opponent twice After 26 matches, the league splits into two groups of 7: o Top 7 (Championship Group) o Bottom 7 (Relegation Group) Each team plays the others in their group twice (home and away) = 12 matches Total: 38 matches per team This model is based on the Greek Super League format and keeps the season competitive throughout—ensuring more clubs fight for promotion, survival, or European qualification deep into the campaign. Promotion and Relegation (All Divisions) Premiership Bottom 2 teams are automatically relegated to the Championship. No playoff with Championship teams—promotion is earned directly. Championship 1st place promoted automatically to the Premiership. 2nd to 5th enter a promotion playoff: 2nd vs 4th, 3rd vs 5th – two-legged ties Winners meet in a one-legged final The winner is promoted Home advantage in the first leg goes to the team with better head-to-head in the post-split Bottom 2 teams are automatically relegated to League 1 League 1 1st place promoted automatically to the Championship 2nd to 5th enter a promotion playoff: 2nd vs 4th, 3rd vs 5th – two-legged ties Winners meet in a one-legged final The winner is promoted Home advantage in the first leg goes to the team with better head-to-head in the post-split Bottom team is automatically entered into a play-off with the winner of the National League and the National League North play-off winner. Relegation playoff remains similar to the existing SPFL structure, with Tier 4 clubs in the National League & National League North

The Scottish Premiership returns for another crucial weekend of action, ahead of the six matchups – these are the main things to watch out for. Game of the Round – Hearts v Falkirk Derek McInnes will look to galvanise his league-leading side, as they attempt to bounce back from a thrilling Ibrox defeat. Standing in their way are Falkirk, the only side to taste victory at Tynecastle this season. The hosts’ lead has slipped to two points, but with a favourable pre-split fixture list, it feels now or never for their title credentials. McInnes is still missing key stalwarts Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland, but a precious three points will put further pressure on the Glasgow giants, who both play on Sunday. Claudio Braga will likely lead the line; one of his eleven league goals was in the 2nd minute at the Falkirk Stadium in mid-December. The Gorgie faithful will hope their Portuguese star can deliver another key goal in the title race. Falkirk welcome Dundee United in the Scottish Cup shortly, and their penalty shootout victory over Hearts has helped pave the way to the quarter-final clash. John McGlynn’s side have enjoyed a flying start to their domestic season, sitting comfortably in the top six, and impressing the masses with their colourful football brand. The Bairns are too far back from the title race, but are in a battle for European football, as they attempt to chase down Hibernian in 5th place. Will Hearts resume their stellar season, or can Falkirk spoil the party once more? Team Spotlight – Motherwell Jens Berthel Askou was “very disappointed” to see his side crash out of the Scottish Cup, but the Steelmen must quickly pivot to Paisley for a crucial league clash with St Mirren. Despite the setback at Pittodrie, Motherwell have been stellar in the league; they currently sit in fourth place with a remarkably resilient record of just three defeats in twenty-six matches. While the media spotlight remains fixed on the traditional trio of Hearts, Rangers, and Celtic, the Fir Park faithful are quick to point out that they sit just seven points off the summit as the run-in approaches. Motherwell previously tasted knockout heartbreak with a 4-1 League Cup Semi-Final loss, but they proved their bounce-back ability by dispatching St Mirren 2-0 back in January. With cup distractions now firmly in the rearview mirror, a singular focus on the Premiership could transform an already impressive season into an unlikely title charge. Player to Watch – Owen Elding Hibernian may have lost Kieron Bowie for a club-record fee, but they look to have found a ready-made successor in a 19-year-old Irish sensation. Since arriving on Edinburgh’s shores, Owen Elding has wasted no time making an impact, netting his first goal in green during his full debut against St Mirren last Saturday. Excitement is rapidly building around the youngster’s potential and upward trajectory. The forward, who joined from Sligo Rovers in January following a prolific 12-goal season in the League of Ireland, was buzzing after his standout performance. “Obviously, there’s no better feeling than hitting the back of the net,” Elding remarked. “To do it on my first home start… there’s nothing more special.” As the Hibees prepare to visit Celtic Park this Sunday, Elding will be brimming with confidence. He’ll be hoping David Gray gives him the nod once more to lead the line on the big stage.

Another crucial weekend of Scottish Premiership football awaits. Ahead of the latest round, these are the main things to keep note of. Game of the Round – Rangers v Hearts Sunday’s showdown between the top two is set to have massive implications as the title race enters the home stretch. With Hearts currently holding a five-point lead over Rangers, a victory would stretch that gap to eight, marking only their second win at Ibrox since 2014. Derek McInnes’ side has occupied the top spot for nearly 20 weeks, and after Tomas Magnusson’s late Edinburgh Derby winner sparked further delirium in Gorgie, the Jambos continue to defy the odds. While Ibrox remains a daunting task for any visitor, a perfect record of five wins from five against the Old Firm this season means McInnes’ men will head west with the bit between their teeth. In the opposite dugout, Danny Rohl has significantly raised expectations since inheriting a Rangers side that trailed the leaders by 13 points. However, after hauling themselves back into contention with a nine-match unbeaten run, disjointed performances at Fir Park and Easter Road have left the Ibrox faithful questioning their title credentials. Rohl has conceded that Sunday’s meeting is “massive,” a result that could make or break their domestic season. For McInnes, the goal is simple, deliver a heavyweight blow that could finally knock Rangers out of the title race for good. Team Spotlight: Aberdeen Aberdeen have now spent 40 days in managerial limbo following Jimmy Thelin’s dismissal. With former assistant Tony Docherty arriving to bolster Peter Leven’s backroom staff, the Dons appear content to wait until the summer before confirming a permanent appointment. However, that patience is being tested on the pitch. Following consecutive postponements against Motherwell and Dundee United, Leven’s side has had a long two weeks to stew on their dismal 3-0 defeat at Rugby Park. Those cancellations, combined with Falkirk’s flying form, have left Aberdeen drifting, now 11 points adrift of the coveted top six. While Sunday’s trip to Fir Park looks daunting, time is rapidly running out to salvage their season. Before they resume their Scottish Cup defence next week, the question is, can Leven and Docherty galvanise this struggling squad and spark a late-season revival? Player to Watch: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain As Celtic toiled toward a disappointing draw against Livingston on Wednesday, Martin O’Neill scanned his bench for a spark of quality. He found it in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Champions League winner appeared to be the perfect option to break the deadlock. With Rangers leading against Motherwell, Celtic’s grip on the top two looked fragile. However, the former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder wasted little time etching his name into Parkhead folklore. Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he opened his body and whipped a devastating low strike past a rooted Jerome Prior, securing a vital three points and instant hero status. In such a tight title race, January reinforcements were always going to be the deciding factor for the frontrunners. While he may still be chasing match fitness and sharpness, Oxlade-Chamberlain could provide the catalyst Celtic need as they chase a fifth consecutive trophy. Next up, the champions face a revitalised Kilmarnock side. Having recently laboured to a narrow victory over Auchinleck Talbot on that same pitch, Celtic can expect a testing encounter. Whether starting or offering experience off the bench, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s ability to produce moments of individual brilliance could be the key cog that keeps this title challenge on track.

With key games at the top and the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, these are the main things to watch out for across the latest round fixtures. Game of the Round – Motherwell v Rangers The focus may be on Tynecastle for the third Edinburgh Derby of the season, but Wednesday’s showdown between Motherwell and Rangers is an equally enticing prospect. Jens Berthel Askou has transformed the Steelmen this campaign, and their outstanding home form has been central to that resurgence. With just one defeat at Fir Park, eight consecutive home clean sheets, and only five goals conceded on their own ground, it’s clear why Danny Rohl’s Rangers must approach this fixture with caution. Rangers, alongside Hearts and Celtic, have shaped much of the title conversation this season. While Motherwell may struggle to keep pace with the top three over the long haul, Askou’s revitalised side remain difficult to dismiss. Rohl’s men arrive in formidable form, unbeaten in eight league matches and buoyed by 13 goals across their last two outings. The contrast between the current Rangers side and the one that laboured to a 1–1 draw at Fir Park under Russell Martin in August highlights the significant impact the German has made at Ibrox. Whether Motherwell can extend their remarkable home run, or Rangers continue their push toward the top of the Premiership, Wednesday night promises a gripping encounter. Team Spotlight – Hearts Derek McInnes’ side may have stumbled to a disappointing 1–0 defeat in Paisley last Tuesday, but derbies are often the perfect platform to reset and respond. With a table-topping showdown against Rangers looming on Sunday, McInnes will be desperate for his players to maintain their slender three‑point lead at the summit by overcoming their bitter Edinburgh rivals. Questions remain, however, over the Gorgie side’s discipline and depth. Hearts have received a red card in three of their last four matches, and they will once again be without key figures: Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, and the suspended Craig Halkett. Yet McInnes has instilled remarkable resilience in this group. They have led the title race for more than four months, remain unbeaten at home in the league, and have gone five matches without defeat against the Old Firm. Can they continue to channel this toughness once more on Tuesday, and keep their title push firmly on track ahead of a pivotal week? Player to Watch – Cameron Congreve The Dundee winger has repeatedly injected life into his side this season, contributing six assists and posing a constant threat, most recently during their gut‑wrenching League Cup defeat at Parkhead. Despite sitting 10th, Steven Pressley’s men have grown steadily in confidence, and with a game in hand over the two sides below them, their prospects of survival remain strong. As the campaign enters its decisive phase, the Swansea loanee is set to play a crucial role in Dundee’s fortunes. With key fixtures against Falkirk, Aberdeen, and Livingston on the horizon, his attacking influence will be pivotal in navigating the remaining five months of the season.