Celtic face Hearts this afternoon in the Cinch Premiership after their midweek win against Feyenoord in the UEFA Champions League. Brendan Rodgers’ side were beaten last weekend at Rugby Park and the manager will be hoping that his team can show part of the quality that helped them win in Europe.
Team News
Celtic appear to be without Tomoki Iwata after he was forced off after making a tackle in the first half of the Feyenoord game. However, Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers are available for selection but Reo Hatate and Liel Abada are still working back towards fitness. The first team pair returning to fitness at this key moment will be pleasing for the manager, especially with the packed schedule of fixtures upcoming.
In goals, Joe Hart will start. The Englishman made a number of excellent saves during the week and relished the win.
In defence, expect Cameron Carter-Vickers to come in from the start with Stephen Welsh dropping out. The USA Internationalist will partner Liam Scales in the heart of the defence with Alistair Johnston and Greg Taylor.
In midfield, Callum McGregor will start at the base of the midfield with Matt O’Riley; however, the third midfield slot could go to any of Bernardo, Holm or David Turnbull and you would expect the latter to be given the jersey given his threat going forward.
In attack, expect Kyogo to start with Luis Palma and Mikey Johnston to continue with Maeda given some game time from the bench.
Predicted XI: Hart; Taylor, Scales, Carter-Vickers, A.Johnston; McGregor, O’Riley, Turnbull; Palma, Kyogo, M. Johnston.
Referee Details
Kevin Clancy has been appointed as the referee for this afternoon’s game. Clancy will be assisted by David Roome and Jonathan Bell with Duncan Williams acting as Fourth Official. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Gavin Duncan is on VAR with Graeme Leslie assisting.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game will be on Celtic TV for subscribers outside UK & Ireland. Meanwhile, subscribers in the UK & Ireland can enjoy live audio commentary of the match, plus a full match replay from 10pm.
🟩 Matchday at Paradise! ⬜
🆚 Hearts
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 3pm
🏟️ Celtic Park
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)#CELHEA | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/98FmhPeLIF— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) December 16, 2023
