Celtic face Hearts in the Cinch Premiership this evening. The Scottish Champions return to Paradise following the League Cup win over Rangers and the victory at St Mirren over the last two weekends. The visitors from Gorgie will prove to be a stern opponent but the manager has hinted that he will change his team from the XI that started the game in Renfrewshire on Sunday.
📢🏟️ It’s a midweek match under the lights at Celtic Park 🔜#CELHEA | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/koyYlDKMCT
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 7, 2023
Team News
The manager said that he will definitely make changes with the two games against Hearts in his mind. It is likely that he will use tonight as an opportunity to shuffle the pack, given the task at hand at Tynecastle in the Cup on Saturday.
There is only one absence from the squad with James Forrest unavailable. The winger picked up a muscle strain in training and will miss a period of games beyond the International break.
In goals, Joe Hart will continue behind the settled back four comprising of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor.
In midfield, Matt O’Riley will likely come in and replace Aaron Mooy with the Danish midfielder netting his first league goal of the season against St Mirren at the weekend. O’Riley will likely partner Reo Hatate in the two advanced midfield positions ahead of skipper Callum McGregor.
In attack, expect Liel Abada to start with Sead Hakšabanović. on the flanks with Kyogo through the middle. The manager may be tempted to go with Oh to get him further minutes but the rearguard of Hearts is formidable and the Edinburgh club are not to be taken lightly.
Predicted XI: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor: McGregor (C), O’Riley, Hatate, Abada, Kyogo, Hakšabanović.
Morning Gossip: While James Forrest will be out until after the international break, Ben Siegrist has resumed full training after more than two months out of action with a calf injury. With talk of team changes tonight Matt O'Riley and Liel Abada likely to start against Hearts HH pic.twitter.com/xWP1GwCPjy
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) March 8, 2023
Match Officials
Alan Muir has been named as the referee and he will be assisted by Calum Spence and Craig Ferguson. Steven Kirkland operates as Fourth Official. On VAR duty at Clydesdale House, the SFA have appointed Nick Walsh along with AVAR official Graeme Leslie.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 19:45 (Celtic Park Time) at Paradise.
🟢 Paradise Midweek Matchday! ⚪️
🆚 Hearts
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 7:45pm
🏟️ Celtic Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
🌍 Live in UK & IRE on StreamDigital PPV: https://t.co/o1s8st0EkG
#CELHEA | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG 🍀 pic.twitter.com/TtOlWhNoOH— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 8, 2023
Where to Watch
The game will be on Celtic TV for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland. However, fans that aren’t able to attend the game will be able to watch on Celtic’s PPV for £12.99.
📻 @CelticTV subscribers in the UK & Ireland have access to audio commentary of #CELHEA – plus a full match replay from midnight 💻
📺 Overseas subscribers can watch every kick of the ball LIVE! #cinchPrem | #COYBIG🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 7, 2023
Pushing the launch of Matthew Marr’s debut Celtic book – ‘The BOULD BHOYS – Glory to their name’ back a week to Friday 24 March. Thanks to everyone who has ordered since we announced the book last night via an interview with the author. Please note that all pre-ordered books will be personally signed by Matthew Marr and you can order below if you’d like a signed copy posted out to you 24 March.
READ THIS...‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ by Matthew Marr
