The Scottish Premiership has reached its annual split, dividing the league into two groups of six teams. This immediately sparks debate over which club benefits most from the final five matchdays.
The process is not decided randomly by a computer. Instead, the governing body, the SPFL, makes the final decision in consultation with rights holders—who prioritize the most attractive matches for live TV—and police authorities.
The “who plays who” is predetermined, but the where and when are influenced by numerous variables that must be carefully weighed. This complexity often leaves the SPFL open to accusations of bias, favoritism, or even conspiracy.
Reacting to Tuesday’s post-split fixture announcement, Hearts head coach Derek McInnes acknowledged that some fans would be disappointed the traditional practice of giving league leaders a home game on the final day was not followed. However, he also admitted the SPFL faces an impossible task in trying to satisfy all 12 clubs and their supporters. So, how is it all decided?
Image source: SNS
**Why does the split exist and what does it entail?**
In its previous format as the Scottish Premier League, the top flight consisted of 10 clubs, allowing for a 36-game season where teams met four times each. That was ideal.
When the division expanded to 12 clubs for the 2000-01 season, a 44-game campaign was deemed too long. As a result, an innovative split was introduced after teams had played each other three times. After the split, the top six would play five additional games among themselves, and the bottom six would do the same.
This ensured the top six competed for the title and European qualification, while the bottom six fought to avoid automatic relegation and the relegation/promotion play-off against a Championship side.
Upon releasing the fixtures, the SPFL noted that the split typically adds excitement, with clubs battling for a top-six place up until the 33rd fixture. However, Falkirk secured their spot with one game to spare this time. Still, splitting the division after 33 matches can produce some anomalies.
**Do all clubs get an equal number of home and away games?**
Image source: SNS
Image caption: Livingston and Falkirk will have an imbalance of home and away games.
Clubs play 16 or 17 home games in the 33 matches before the split, with a minimum of two and a maximum of three home fixtures afterward. Ideally, they should play 19 home and 19 away games by season’s end, but that is not always achievable. This is the second consecutive season with an imbalance.
In creating the initial fixtures, the SPFL attempts to predict which clubs will end up in the top six and bottom six to minimize such discrepancies. But this season, promoted Falkirk has overperformed and sits in sixth place.
As a result, Falkirk will play 20 home games, while Livingston will have 18. The SPFL explained this choice was made to mitigate wider impacts. Since Falkirk is five points adrift of Hibernian, an extra home game is unlikely to affect European qualification. Meanwhile, Livingston’s one fewer home game is negligible given they are already all but relegated.
The Scottish top flight has experienced a 20/18 home-away split in nearly half of its seasons.
**Does this cause other imbalances?**
It also means some sides face certain opponents three times at home and once away—or vice versa—prompting complaints. Such fixture reversals have occurred every season since the split was introduced in 2000-01. This time, there are four reversals in the top six. Falkirk will host Rangers and Hibernian for a third time, and travel to Celtic Park.