Celtic face Hearts tonight in the SPFL Premiership as Ange Postecoglou’s side look to follow up from Sunday’s hard-fought win over Aberdeen with all three points over our visitors from Edinburgh. After Rangers’ narrow win at Easter Rd after a questionable penalty, Celtic sit 7 points behind the Ibrox club and Ange will know that his players to do the business on the park themselves, as well as enact revenge on Hearts after an opening day defeat.
Team News
In defence, there doesn’t appear to be any news on the horizon regarding Christopher Jullien as he fights back from an injury suffered nearly a year ago. Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor are back training but this game will likely come too soon for them.
Ange Postecoglou will likely welcome Tom Rogic back to proceedings with the Australian returning from a hamstring tweak suffered last month against Hearts. Nir Bitton has also recovered from a knock sustained against Bayer Leverkusen and will look to be involved. James McCarthy was solid at the weekend and he will be keen on retaining his jersey at the base of the Celtic midfield.
Giorgos Giakoumakis is still out with a knee complaint. We are yet to have a full picture regarding when he will be fit to return. This means that Albian Ajeti could likely play a part from the bench.
Predicted XI: Hart; Juranovic, Carter-Vickers, Welsh, Ralston; McCarthy, McGregor, Turnbull; Jota, Kyogo, Forrest.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 19:45 (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on the Pass to Paradise for Season Ticket Holders, Celtic TV for subscribers outside the UK and Ireland and also on Sky Sports. Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football will show the game with coverage starting at 7pm.
Bobby Madden, who will referee the match tonight, was the man in the middle for that game too and missed a red card offence against Callum McGregor from Andy Halliday. There will likely be a few hard tackles but it is important that Celtic continue playing their game and take chances when they come.
🤜 𝗠 𝗔 𝗧 𝗖 𝗛 𝗗 𝗔 𝗬 🤛
🆚 Hearts
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 19:45
🏟️ Celtic Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ScotlandSky
🎫 Live on @CelticFCPass #CELHEA | #COYBIG 🍀— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 2, 2021
There is no doubt Madden will do his utmost to affect the outcome of this game. 27 fouls he gave against Celtic v Aberdeen.
Virgin Media has gone all wrong today. I hope it’s fixed in time for the game tonight.