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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Scottish Premiership top six permutations as Motherwell look for win guarantee or Aberdeen and Hibs mishaps

There's seven teams, three places and one set of games to go in one of the Scottish Premiership's tightest top six races to date.

Inconsistency has been rife amongst the majority of top flight clubs and it's set up a dramatic final weekend pre-split.

There is just a four-point gap between fourth-place Dundee United and 10th, currently held by St Mirren. Motherwell find themselves in a strong position of fifth after a 4-2 win over Saints last Saturday.

Celtic, Rangers and Hearts have already secured their place in the top six and most of the rest will compete for the final three spots over Saturday and Sunday.

The league then splits and anyone who finds themselves below sixth will be left dismayed, while there will be joy for the remaining clubs.

An extra bonus comes in that fifth place could become a European spot, which means a potential crack at continental football is more than likely with a top half finish.

It's on a tightrope, but here's what Motherwell and the rest of the Premiership need to accomplish the feat.

Dundee United

Thomas Courts' side look fairly secure. Just a point in their city derby with Dundee will secure their position with 41 points.

They could miss out though if they lose, Hibs and Ross County both win, and somebody wins the Livingston v Motherwell game, along with a swing in goal difference.

Motherwell

(SNS Group)

The Steelmen's path can be simply obtained by a victory against Livingston in West Lothian. One point will suffice if Hibs or Ross County don't win while a defeat could even grant passage if the Hibees lose and Aberdeen and County draw.

Simply put, 'Well boss Graham Alexander can save a headache with three points.

Hibs

While sixth at the minute, Shaun Maloney's side have a tricky assignment away at Hearts. Edinburgh derby victory is the simplest route to success and a draw would be enough if nobody below them wins.

Even in defeat they could sneak it but a lot has to happen in that scenario. Aberdeen and Ross County must draw while Livingston and St Mirren can't win.

Aberdeen and Ross County

These two teams meet each other knowing that only a win will do, and that Hearts need to come out on top against Hibs.

Livingston

Motherwell's opponents are searching for what would be their third consecutive top six slot. Livi need a victory and would also need Hibs and County to both not win.

St Mirren

Stephen Robinson's side need so much to fall into place but they are still mathematically in this race.

Hibs and Livingston need to lose, while Aberdeen and County draw, and that's without mentioning the small matter of a win against champions Rangers.

Their game is on Sunday, so hopes of European football could be dashed before they've even kicked off.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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