ST JOHNSTONE are the big losers of the top-six fixture list as the Perth club, who are chasing European football, will complete the season having played 18 home games and 20 away.
Their chairman, Steve Brown, revealed that the SPL called in a 'debt' from a previous season.
St Johnstone will end up playing Motherwell away three times – they currently trail the Fir Park side by five points and could be in direct competition with them for a Europa League, or even a Champions League qualification spot.
The final Old Firm match of the season will take place on Sunday, April 29, two games after the Clydesdale Bank Premier League split. Celtic will host Rangers with a 12.45pm kick-off after playing Motherwell at Fir Park the previous weekend.
Celtic can secure the title this weekend with a point at Kilmarnock in the final match before the split.
Kilmarnock get an extra match at Rugby Park after slipping out of the top six.
Brown said: "Everyone will have a wee moan about the fixtures and I suppose that's the joys of the split. You can't keep everyone happy. But I do feel for our fans who face a Thursday night game at Parkhead and then a trip to Tynecastle on the Sunday. That is disappointing.
"We will have 18 home games and 20 away, which isn't great for the finances. We will take a hit. But they have long memories at Hampden and I'm told we had it the other way around in the past.
"Given our record on the road we will go to places like Motherwell, Hearts and Celtic with confidence. Now the focus is on trying to nail down a European place."
The big game in the bottom six takes place on Monday, May 7, when Hibernian host Dunfermline Athletic.
Iain Blair, the SPL secretary, said that it was "impossible" to ensure 19 home games for all clubs.
Blair said: "Various versions of the round 34-38 fixture list are produced and we then select the one that provides the best fit overall. In line with previous seasons, all clubs will finish the season either home/away or away/home. We try to achieve as balanced a fixture list as possible.
"Among the things we look at is what has happened in previous years. For example, Kilmarnock had only 18 home games in 2006/07 but will gain a home game this season. St Johnstone are losing a home game but they have gained one in the past."
Blair revealed the Old Firm date was chosen following consultation between the clubs, the SPL and the police, while a Thursday night fixture between St Johnstone and Celtic was scheduled to avoid the Old Firm clubs playing in Glasgow on the same day.
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