Hearts v Celtic – Match Preview, Kick-off time and broadcast details – COYGIG

Celtic FC Women look to continue their unbeaten start to the season with an away trip to face Hearts this afternoon in the SWPL1…

The Edinburgh side currently sit third in the SWPL and a home win this afternoon would see Hearts close in on theRangers and Glasgow City who drew 1-1 at Ibrox yesterday. Here’s the Glasgow City goal.

However a win for Celtic, with a game in hand over Queen’s Park to come, gives the Champions a great chance to get up to the top of the table and raise hopes of defending the title and making it back into the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Last time the sides met was the penultimate game of the season, Celtic ran out 3-1 victors at Oriam. The game before that, Celtic won 5-0, with Murphy Agnew scoring a hat-trick, but Hearts have improved this season and today’s match is no foregone conclusion.

The hosts have enjoyed a decent start to the season, winning seven games and losing two. They beat rivals Hibs at Easter Road and have many standout players who could pose a threat to the Celts. Former Celtic player Lisa Robertson just so happens to be one of them.

Speaking to the media before today’s game, Elena Sadiku said: “It’s hard to compare [how this game will go]because they have new players, we have new players. We play the same shape like we did, they’ve changed a little bit. But I think Hearts is always going to be a tough challenge. Eva Olid has been doing a great job so far so we know that’s going to be a great challenge for us, and we love challenges, so we’re really looking forward for the game.”

Team News

Elena Sadiku confirmed in the press conference that Amy Gallacher and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford will be returning to the squad. She also confirmed that Hana Kerner, Kit Loferski and Clare Goldie will remain sidelined. Chloe Craig is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.

Player’s View

Maria McAneny previewed the clash in the capital with Celtic TV. She said: “Hearts have improved massively recently and I think that’s something that we’re all aware of. They played well against (the)Rangers and they played well against Glasgow City so we know it’s going to be a tough game but if we stick to what we’re good at, then we’ll be okay.

“Focus on us. If we play our football and manage to do what we’re good at, if it’s our day, then we know we’re able to perform.”

Match Officials

Ryan Kennedy is the referee for this clash. He previously took the whistle in a Celtic game when they came up against Motherwell. Vikki Allan and Hannah McLean are his assistants.

Kick-off Time

This game kicks off at 16:10 at Oriam in Edinburgh.

Where to Watch

You can watch this game live on BBC Alba. Or you can back the Ghirls in person if you can make it to the capital!

Ticket Information

Hearts v Celtic tickets can be purchased HERE. General Admission is £8.48 (inc booking fee), with Under 16s and over 65s paying £3.18.

Where to Watch 

Hearts v Celtic FC Women kicks-off at 4.10pm and is live on BBC ALBA.

Score Predictions

Hearts 1 – 3 Celtic. A nice little bounce back from the defeat in the UEFA Women’s Champions League is on the cards I think! Yesterday in his preview of the big SWPL weekend fixtures our Editor opted for a 2-0 win for the Ghirls.

COYGIG!

Jessica Elliott