Hearts made title favourites again as latest odds revealed

Playing ahead of Celtic and Rangers on Saturday gave Derek McInnes' men the chance to pile the pressure on the Glasgow pair and they did their job, beating Falkirk by Islam Chesnokov's goal to nil.

A day later and Rangers were drawing away to Livingston and ten-man Celtic suffered a defeat at home to Hibs.

It leaves Hearts top on 60 points, Rangers four behind on 56 and Celtic on 54, but with a game in hand. The Glasgow rivals face each other in a derby this weekend so at least one of them will drop further points, with Hearts hosting Aberdeen on Saturday.

The Tynecastle Park men were previosuly made favourites after beating Livingston back in January but the lead they had built up at the point was chipped away at and their odds lengthened again.

However, the strong position they now find themselves in has seen bookmakers Betfair make them 11/8 favourites, followed by Rangers at 7/4. Celtic's defeat at the weekend has seen them drift from odds-on favourites at 17/20 to 2/1 outsiders.

Betfair spokesperson James Mackie said: “The race for the Scottish Premiership title has delivered countless twists and turns so far this season and the latest has come in the form of Hearts becoming the outright favourites at 11/8 to go all the way. Derek McInnes’ team, who occupy a four point lead at the top of the table, are followed by Rangers, 7/4, after Danny Rohl's men fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point against Livingston. Meanwhile Celtic, who were odds-on at 17/20 last week, have now drifted to 2/1 to retain the title after defeat to Hibernian which leaves the holders six points adrift. ”