We are being spoiled with a 3-horse race in the Scottish Premiership, but who is best-placed to come out on top?

This season isn't just shaping up to be the most exciting in recent memory - there's a strong argument to be made that it already is. With January coming to a close, we look ahead to a run-in that could go down to the wire.

Reigning champions Celtic, in-form Rangers, and surprise package Hearts are treating us to a rollercoaster of drama week in and week out. Fans and pundits alike can't confidently pick a winner, and even the bookies are scrambling for answers. Let's take a look at each side to see if we can come up with anything...

Hearts

Currently 1st; 51 points; LWWWD

Atop the tree for now, but can they cling on?

Hearts flew out of the traps in a similar fashion to Aberdeen last season. However, unlike that Aberdeen side they are showing no signs of falling away. Derek McInnes and his men look head and shoulders above the team they were 12 months ago, and have taken full advantage of both Celtic and Rangers' stuttering starts.

It's not all positive, though, as injuries to top-scorer and captain Lawrence Shankland as well as midfield livewire Cammy Devlin are going to test the squad heading into the next run of fixtures. Their absences didn't seem to hinder the team too much in the recent game against Celtic, however, with the squad working extremely hard and showing the grit and determination they are going to need to carry them through.

Hearts look the team most up for the fight, and already have the most points on the board. Any more significant injuries may be all that stands between them and the title.

Rangers

Currently 2nd; 47 points; WWWWW

Not quite firing on all cylinders, but getting results.

Danny Rohl has done a remarkable job to get what looks like a sub-par squad back on track following the Russell Martin fiasco. It's quite astonishing to see Rangers putting in a genuine title challenge just a few months later, and they are producing the best form of anyone in the league.

Unlike Martin, Rohl isn't trying to force square pegs into round holes. The German is maximising the tools at his disposal and finding a way to win games and string results together. It's looking like he'll have a stronger squad for the last few months of the season following the transfer window, and without any European distractions his team might just get better and better.

Rangers will certainly be targeting the title, and if they can keep grinding out consistent results they are absolutely capable of coming out on top.

Celtic

Currently 3rd; 45 points; LLWWD

Getting their mojo back, but is it too little too late?

So far, Celtic seem to be doing everything they can to not win the league. We won't even mention that joker they appointed for 8 games. However, with Martin O'Neill back at the helm until the end of the season they finally have some stability. Without a doubt they have the best squad, but as we're seeing that means nothing without cohesion and determination.

Thing's are looking better of late. However, to win the title they are going to need to lock in and step up. They'll want to progress in Europe, and should do with a home tie approaching against a meagre Utrecht side, but a European run could easily cost them important points in the league.

They'll have the title in their sights and are capable of romping home, but with more questions than answers around the club at the moment, it's yet to be seen if they have the togetherness to be winning 3 points every week.

So who wins the title?

Can anyone smell Creosote?

Hearts have the points on the board and the fighting spirit. Rangers have the form and new found stability. Celtic have the squad and a manager who has been there and done it all before. Boy, it's tough to call.

It's likely going to come down to the head-to-heads against one another, and in a relatively small league we are going to get plenty of those matches yet. Bring on the split with 3 points between them please.

What we can say is long may this contest continue. It's magic to see this level of competitiveness in Scottish football.