Scottish Premiership top six permutations as Motherwell look for win guarantee or Aberdeen and Hibs mishaps

There's seven teams, three places and one set of games to go in one of the Scottish Premiership's tightest top six races to date.

Inconsistency has been rife amongst the majority of top flight clubs and it's set up a dramatic final weekend pre-split.

There is just a four-point gap between fourth-place Dundee United and 10th, currently held by St Mirren. Motherwell find themselves in a strong position of fifth after a 4-2 win over Saints last Saturday.

Celtic, Rangers and Hearts have already secured their place in the top six and most of the rest will compete for the final three spots over Saturday and Sunday.

The league then splits and anyone who finds themselves below sixth will be left dismayed, while there will be joy for the remaining clubs.

An extra bonus comes in that fifth place could become a European spot, which means a potential crack at continental football is more than likely with a top half finish.

It's on a tightrope, but here's what Motherwell and the rest of the Premiership need to accomplish the feat.

Thomas Courts' side look fairly secure. Just a point in their city derby with Dundee will secure their position with 41 points.

They could miss out though if they lose, Hibs and Ross County both win, and somebody wins the Livingston v Motherwell game, along with a swing in goal difference.

The Steelmen's path can be simply obtained by a victory against Livingston in West Lothian. One point will suffice if Hibs or Ross County don't win while a defeat could even grant passage if the Hibees lose and Aberdeen and County draw.

Simply put, 'Well boss Graham Alexander can save a headache with three points.

While sixth at the minute, Shaun Maloney's side have a tricky assignment away at Hearts. Edinburgh derby