Is this the closest SWPL race ever?
The SWPL is entering a crucial stage
- Published
The SWPL has reached its split after 22 rounds of fixtures and, with 10 games to go, a tight title race featuring clubs from Scotland's two largest cities beckons.
Three points separate first from fourth and it may not just be points that decides who finishes as champions - goal difference may ultimately come into play.
Securing top spot of course secures the trophy but the runners-up will join the champions in next season's Women's Champions League second qualifying round.
Here, BBC Sport looks at this crucial stage of the season and captures what the pundits are saying.
- Published2 days ago
Who are the contenders?
Glasgow City, champions in 2023, lead the table on goal difference with Hibernian second.
Rangers, winners in 2022, are two points off the pace with reigning champions Celtic a point further behind.
Hearts are perhaps a bit too far back - five points behind Celtic and eight off the leaders - but could still have a big say on the destiny of the title, as could Motherwell.
All of these teams will play each other twice more before the season's end.
As far as goal difference is concerned, Rangers are out in front with 94, Glasgow City sitting on 80.
What does the run in look like?
The next round of fixtures takes place on the weekend of Sunday, 16 March, with the top two going head to head in Glasgow. Celtic are away to Hearts and Rangers at Motherwell.
Two weeks later, City host Celtic and Rangers host Hearts, while Hibernian are away to Motherwell.
The next meeting of Rangers and Celtic is on the midweek of 16 April, with the Edinburgh sides also meeting in that round and Motherwell visiting Glasgow City.
Hearts and Hibs host Glasgow City and Rangers, respectively, on 20 April and Celtic visit Motherwell.
And, at the end of April, Celtic host Hearts, Well visit Hibs and Rangers welcome City as the reverse fixtures ensue.
Four more rounds of games take place in May.
What are the pundits saying?
Glasgow City assistant head coach Leanne Crichton
It's going to be really exciting.
I'm just buzzing that we won against Motherwell on Sunday because it feels like there's so much pressure on every point and what feels like every goal you score.
It's going to be like that between now and the end of the season.
Hibs have been fantastic. There's no reason why they shouldn't be at the top. They've got that investment. They've got really good staff. They have a recipe and a plan there, that looks like they're going to be in the conversation right until the end.
Scotland captain Rachel Corsie
Hearts will be feeling a little bit hurt [after drawing 2-2 with Rangers having been two up]. Nonetheless, it is still a result that consolidates the fact they're in the mix.
Hearts will stay in contention because teams will drop points every weekend now with the split. It's incredibly exciting times.
If you have the belief that you're going to do it more than other teams, you're more likely to get it done. There's been title races that have been close and gone really close to the wire. It's just never had this many teams in the mix.
Have your say
Who do you think will win the SWPL?