Rangers the victims of scheduling conspiracy as tinfoil hats come out in Hotline title special

There was no change at the top after a dramatic weekend in the Premiership as the Old Firm gear up for Saturday’s big collision.

Celtic breezed past Hearts and Rangers managed to get the goal difference back with their second half show against 10-men Kilmarnock. All eyes are now on the derby this weekend – and it’s Hoops fans on the Hotline who reckon they have one hand on the title. Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “A terrific performance from Celtic with a comfortable win over Hearts and with a fully fit team showing were the best team in Scotland. Our three midfielders were different class and Callum McGregor showed his proper form now fully fit. I said Kyogo should be dropped too but I was so happy to see him make me eat my words as he was more like his old self.

Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “A rocking Celtic Park saw the Hoops back to their very best. Celtic eased to victory against a Hearts team that looked as if they were playing the Rangers.”

Martin Leggat said: "Joe Hart was not really under much pressure during the game but a great save at important time and one good block later on. Forget Butland for England, let's have Joe.” James Robertson, Alabama, said: “That was the best we have played to date. We played well defensively, played smart and played aggressive from ding to dong. And Hart played out of his mind. Retirement?”

Rangers had to come from behind against Killie but punters reckon their side are getting a raw deal. Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Rangers were never going to get the simple run in Celtic have. Gers have a day less to prepare for the Old Firm showpiece and more conveniently have a day less after the Old Firm game to recover. There's no coincidence in all of this but the SFA's back up plan to have Celtic face St Mirren at home for a third time is unjustifiable and stinks of something as there's past history with this when said goals are needed in a final day showdown.”

Gers have injury worries with Leon Balogun going off in the Killie win and Connor Goldson’s season over. Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “It is a big ask to expect any 36-year-old centre half to play through a full season in a physically demanding league like Premiership. But it's understandable Philippe Clement wants to keep Balogun with Goldson playing so poorly and now crocked. It may not be such a bad idea to keep Balogun until they can sign someone who can take over.”

Meanwhile, John Caw emailed: “Killie’s Joe Wright sent off for handball, Lawrence Shankland already yellow carded not sent off. Is it one rule for Rangers and another for Celtic? Nothing surprises me where Scottish football is concerned.”

And John Davidson, Kirkintilloch, said: “Rangers claiming compensation for the Dundee postponed games, they are really having a laugh. It’s the fans that should get compensation for watching the dross that night.”

Donald Dundas, Uddingston, said: “The green specs brigade who constantly berate Hearts as Rangers reserves have now been proven wrong after the Jambos hardly put in a tackle against the always cheated. You only have to look at recent results against the likes of Aberdeen, Ross County and Dundee to see that teams always raise the game against Rangers.”

Finally, it’s awards season and Douglas Moyes emailed: “Manager of the year? The job Ian McCall has done at Clyde has been remarkable. Well done Colly.”