Key Dates in Split Season
The SWPL has today announced the post-split fixture dates, we have picked out the key fixtures so you know when to make plans for.
This afternoon the SWPL released the post-split fixture list, with one matchday still to be played before The Split chaos ensues. Bear in mind that these fixtures are still TBC, with there likely to be some movement with big stadium showpiece events and broadcast picks moving games.
The table is very finely poised for a dramatic run in for the third year in a row, with every game from here on out a huge fixture in the title, UWCL, and relegation battles. However, some fixtures stand out amongst the rest.
March
Split season kicks off on the 16th of March with a huge tie. Scotland’s two most successful clubs, currently level on points in the title race, squaring up at Petershill Park on a landmark occasion. It is, of course, Glasgow City - Hibernian, a rivalry forged by years of tense competition. This one comes with a little extra spice as it marks Glasgow City’s 500th (five hundredth!) SWPL fixture and both sides are once again locked in a title race.
Down in the relegation battle for the next March fixture to keep an eye on, on the 30th of March the two sides currently sat either side of the red line face off with Spartans - Montrose at Ainslie Park. Just the second game post-split but one that could seal the fate of Montrose, or reel in their Edinburgh competition to keep the relegation battle on a knife edge.
April
April is a month for derbies. The first post-split Old Firm is on the 13th of April with Rangers - Celtic. Both sides currently joint top of the table as part of the four teams level on points. This one is sure to bring the drama, and could be the turning point in the title for one of these sides (or Glasgow City or Hibernian).
That same weekend will see an Edinburgh derby with Hibernian - Hearts. Hearts currently sitting quietly in fifth, six points behind the pack, but certainly not out of the race for the title and UWCL qualification. A statement win away to local rivals Hibernian, who have taken the spotlight away from their impressive form, would help that cause greatly.
That continues with a North East derby on the 16th with Montrose - Aberdeen at Links Park. Aberdeen currently just one point ahead of Spartans and still certainly at risk of the drop if they aren’t careful. Montrose just seven points back, with an identical goal difference, as it stands. That one is sure to be feisty.
And Montrose are in derby action once again shortly after with Dundee United - Montrose pencilled in for the 20th. Dundee United may be sat rock bottom, but they will certainly be hoping to show their talent in the remaining fixtures, with safety still not off the table.
May
The 4th of May will see the reverse Edinburgh derby with Hearts - Hibernian. Potentially too early for it to be a chance to kill any title hopes for either side entirely, but definitely more than bragging rights on offer in this one.
The same weekend sees Queen’s Park - Dundee United which is sure to be a more solemn affair. Both sides currently a way off of safety, this could be the game where one, or both, have their fate sealed with confirmation of SWPL 2 football next season.
The 11th of May brings matchday 30, three games until the season end and with it two huge fixtures in the title race. Firstly, Celtic - Rangers, a huge fixture in normal circumstances this one may be the one that we look to when the season is over as the title defining moment.
Across the country, another potential title definer will be underway at Meadowbank. Hibernian - Glasgow City as two old foes jostle for their position in the title run in.
The final matchday comes on the 18th of May with all 12 teams playing concurrently. There are unlikely to be many small games on this day with so much to be decided. The title could be won by any of Rangers, Glasgow City, Celtic, Hibernian, or Hearts as it stands which makes all three of the top six fixtures huge:
Celtic - Mothewell
Glasgow City - Hearts
Rangers - Hibernian
In the relegation battle, it is unlikely that all three spots will still be to play for (although not impossible). However, all three games retain potentially huge consequence as Aberdeen, Spartans, and Montrose are not facing each other and are the likely sides fighting to avoid the third relegation spot.
Montrose - Dundee United
Queen’s Park - Aberdeen
Spartans - Partick Thistle
So, the route to the end of the season is plotted. Each team now knows the path they must take to reach their goals. It is sure to be a drama-fuelled three months and we cannot wait to witness it all.