Preview: Hearts vs. Celtic - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts come into this one off the back of a defeat to Aberdeen last weekend, while the visitors travel to Edinburgh fresh from a convincing victory over Hibernian.

Match preview

Hearts have run into a sticky patch of form of late under manager Robbie Neilson, culminating in a downturn of results regarding both their domestic endeavours and the Europa Conference League.

The Jambos have taken just one point from their last three league matches - a 2-2 draw away to Kilmarnock - and have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.

Hearts' most recent triumph came away to Motherwell at Fir Park on September 18, with a double from Alan Forrest and a Lawrence Shankland strike proving enough to secure the points in a 3-0 win.

The victory away at Motherwell must feel like an age ago now for manager Neilson, who has seen his side slip down to seventh in the Premiership table amid growing concerns over their performances from supporters.

This weekend, they face arguably their most difficult test of the season to date as they take on Celtic at Tynecastle in a game they must take something from to steady the ship.

Celtic have made a dominant start to 2022-23, currently sitting top of the Scottish Premiership table on 27 points from their 10 fixtures played, putting them two points ahead of rivals Rangers.

Ange Postecoglou's men have won their last four domestic games across all competitions, scoring 14 goals in the process and conceding just three times while fielding a rotated squad during a busy schedule for the club.

Last time out, the Hoops were able to comfortably book their place in the last four of the Scottish League Cup in a 4-0 win away to Motherwell, courtesy of a double from Liel Abada alongside goals from Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi.

They have lost just once in the league from 10 matches and have both the best offensive and defensive record in the Scottish Premiership, scoring 35 goals while conceding just six times this season.

Postecoglou will be eyeing another big performance at Tynecastle on Saturday, with the opportunity to go five points clear at the summit at least temporarily lying in wait should Celtic secure the three points.

Hearts Scottish Premiership form:

W

L

W

L

D

L

Hearts form (all competitions):

W

L

L

D

L

L

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

L

W

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

W

L

W

L

W

W

Team News

Peter Haring is a doubt for the visit of Celtic due to sustaining a concussion in the defeat to Aberdeen last week. Additionally, Andy Halliday may also miss out due to hobbling off at Pittodrie with an Achilles tendon issue.

Long-term absentees Kye Rowles, Liam Boyce, Nathaniel Atkinson, Beni Baningime and Craig Halkett will not be involved against Celtic.

On a more positive note, trio Michael Smith, Gary Mackay-Steven and Josh Ginnelly could return to contention on Saturday.

For the visitors, captain Callum McGregor will continue to be on the sidelines for the next few weeks as he recovers from a serious knee injury.

Carl Starfelt is a couple of weeks away from being involved and will not be available for selection.

It remains to be seen whether Jota and David Turnbull will make the matchday squad, as both players have missed the last couple of matches due to knocks.

Hearts possible starting lineup:

Gordon; Cochrane, Sibbick, Kingsley; Forrest, Snodgrass, Kiomourtzoglou, Grant; McKay; Shankland, Humphrys

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Juranovic, Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Taylor; O'Riley, Mooy, Hatate; Haksabanovic, Abada, Giakoumakis

We say: Hearts 0-2 Celtic

In a game that will be full of drama, we expect both sides to create their fair share of chances as they seek an important result on Saturday.

Previews by email