Hearts confront Celtic in bid for groundbreaking Scottish Premiership crown
The campaign has built to an exhilarating climax following a disputed 99th minute penalty that gifted Celtic a triumph over Motherwell midweek.
The title holders trail Hearts by a single point and realise a win would clinch a 14th championship across the past 15 years.
No club apart from Celtic and Rangers has lifted the trophy in 41 years.
Hearts have dominated the standings for most of the term capitalising on chaos within Glasgows Old Firm rivals.
Boosted by Brighton chairman Tony Blooms innovative data analysis system the club has bridged a vast economic gap to threaten Celtics stranglehold at home.
The recent development in the race has intensified the stakes for this decisive single encounter.
Absent that last gasp goal Celtic would require a three goal margin on Saturday thanks to Hearts better goal tally.
"It is frankly outrageous" remarked Hearts manager Derek McInnes after Kelechi Iheanachos penalty sealed a 3-2 success at Motherwell.
"It seems like the world against us."
Video footage left ambiguity over whether Motherwells Sam Nicholson deliberately handled the ball inside the area.
Ex England forward Gary Lineker described the verdict as potentially the "most appalling VAR call I have witnessed".
The supporter run club voiced deep unease on Thursday regarding rulings in late fixtures and demanded clarity from governing bodies.
The threat of being overtaken by Celtic at the death revives painful memories for Hearts supporters of their near miss in 198586 when they last vied for glory.
Needing merely a stalemate they shipped two goals in the closing seven minutes falling 2-0 to Dundee enabling Celtic to edge the crown via superior goals.
O'Neill bolsters Celtic resolve
The Parkhead outfit endured turmoil both pitchside and beyond throughout much of the year.
A reluctance to bolster the team during the prior transfer window sparked fury among supporters and led to Brendan Rodgers bitter exit as head coach in October.
Wilfried Nancy endured only 33 days at the helm dropping six of eight outings.
Martin ONeill aged 74 has twice stepped in at Celtic Park for temporary roles to restore order.
Although calls for executive overhaul persist supporter demonstrations have eased ahead of the finale and a six month prohibition on an ultras faction at games has been revoked by officials.
Celtics tally of eight league losses marks their highest since 19992000 the term prior to ONeills initial arrival.
Yet they have surged into rhythm at the perfect moment possibly holding onto the crown via seven straight wins.
"Reaching the last match feels rewarding considering it seemed improbable a few weeks back" noted ONeill.
"We stand a solid shot being on home turf. The vibe will be electric."
Hearts claimed two victories and a stalemate from their prior three clashes this term though the point was versus ONeills team.
"Entering a 60000 crowd venue it will erupt. For our group such an occasion such a spotlight we have earned it and we anticipate it" McInnes continued.
"We will not back down. Our history versus Celtic is strong."