After looking good for a second third place finish in succession, Hearts now have a major fight on their hands with Aberdeen moving just one point behind them in the table.
A 10 point gap has been whittled down after four defeats in their last five league games for the Jambos, and the revitalised Dons have taken full advantage under interim boss Barry Robson.
They are now set to battle it out over the last eight games to land the lucrative Europa Conference League group stage spot, assuming Celtic or Rangers win the Scottish Cup. St Mirren are only four points behind, while Hibs and Livingston on 40 and 39 points respectively. However, they’re immediate focus will be securing a top six berth. Do that though, and they’ll still find themselves in the mxix for European qualification, with fifth place coming into play should the Scottish Cup head to Glasgow.
