Celtic could be crowned Scottish Champions with a victory over Hearts at Tynecastle tomorrow. Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Edinburgh knowing that three points will retain the title for the second season in a row. A week after sealing their place in the Scottish Cup Final with a win against Rangers, Celtic can seal part two of the pending Treble with a win over Steven Naismith’s side.
Team News
Celtic go into the game without defensive trio Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh and Alistair Johnston. The USA Internationalist earned the MOTM accolade against Rangers but jetted off for some knee surgery, which has ended his season. Johnston was forced off in the game after a clash with Borna Barisic resulting in him leaving the stadium in crutches. Welsh, meanwhile, picked up an injury at training. James Forrest is still out and is expected back next week.
Joe Hart will start in goals. The Englishman kept a cleansheet at Hampden last weekend and he will hope for the same tomorrow.
Expect Tony Ralston to come in for Johnston as he did at Hampden. Yuki Kobayashi will come in to replace Carter-Vickers and this will allow Carl Starfelt to play on the right side of the central pairing. Greg Taylor will start at left back.
In midfield, Ange could go with the same three that started against Rangers with Callum McGregor at the heart of the middle three with Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate in the advanced roles.
In attack, Kyogo will start through the middle. The hitman is likely to be assisted by Daizen Maeda and Jota.
Predicted XI: Hart; Ralston, Starfelt, Kobayashi, Taylor; McGregor, O’Riley, Hatate; Jota, Kyogo, Maeda.
Match Officials
Nick Walsh is the referee for the match. Walsh took charge of the dramatic 4-3 win back in October, where Greg Taylor’s winner gave the Celts three points. Graeme Stewart and Alan Mulvanny will assist Walsh while Alan Newlands is on Fourth Official duties. Willie Collum is on VAR duty at Clydesdale House, assisted by Sean Carr.
Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 2:15pm (Celtic Park Time).
Where to Watch
The game can be watched on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 2pm. Celtic TV subscribers will be able to view on the club’s streaming service outside Britain and Ireland.