The Scottish Premiership splits into two sections of six teams after 33 matches, with the SPFL making fixture decisions in consultation with broadcasters and police. This system has created controversy as teams face uneven home/away splits, with Falkirk receiving 20 home games this season while Livingston has 18, causing fan complaints about perceived bias.

Fixture arrangements aren't random but involve complex considerations. Teams sometimes play opponents three times at home and once away, creating inevitable reversals. The SPFL tries to avoid such scenarios in critical matches involving title races, European qualification, and relegation battles, but promotional surprises like Falkirk's sixth-place finish complicate matters.

Television coverage and police safety heavily influence scheduling. Celtic's home final day match against Hearts, despite Rangers being one point closer to the title, stems from TV selections and police restrictions that prevent Old Firm clubs from playing at home simultaneously. The SPFL faces impossible balancing acts between competitive fairness and practical constraints.