Brendan Rodgers takes his Celtic side through to Edinburgh this morning to take on Hearts in the lunchtime kick-off in the Scottish Premiership. With Motherwell winning at Ibrox yesterday the Irishman knows that taking the three points today will take Celtic a point clear at the top of the league looking down on theRangers. Just do it, Celtic!
Team News
Callum McGregor is the big fitness worry from midweek, when he was replaced at the interval by young Daniel Kelly, who incidentally is in line for a contract extension with significantly improved terms after making his first team breakthrough this season. Kelly should find himself on the bench at Tynecastle this afternoon.
If the captain doesn’t make it, Brendan Rodgers is likely to start with Tomoki Iwata as the number 6 and play with two number 8s with Matt O’Riley being joined by Paulo Bernardo. The rest of the team picks itself after that stunning 7-1 win in midweek against Dundee.
Reo Hatate is getting closer to a return but that’s still a few weeks away.
Predicted Team
The magnificent Joe Hart in goals. A back four of Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor. A midfield of Tomoki Iwata, Matt O’Riley and Paulo Bernardo. And a front three of Yang, Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda.
On the bench expect to see Bain, Palma, Kyogo, Kuhn, Vata, Kelly, Welsh and maybe Bernabei.
Match Officials
The SFA have confirmed that Don Robertson will referee the clash. Robertson, who used to be a player, will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Ross Macleod. Graham Grainger is on Fourth Official duties in Gorgie. Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, John Beaton is on VAR duties with Andrew McWilliam assisting.
Kick Off Time
Hearts v Celtic has a 12 noon (CPT) kick-off time.
Supporters Update
🍀Gates open at 11am on Sunday
🍀Ticket checks on McLeod St on approach
🍀Search lanes leading to turnstiles
🍀Coach Parking on Russell Rd
🍀Stadium is cashlessFans are kindly asked to not attend the stadium if you do not have a valid ticket pic.twitter.com/KOuBkwkOYX
— CELTIC FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) February 29, 2024
Where to Watch
The game will be shown on TV on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR, and is available to stream online live through Sky Go. The match will also be available to Celtic TV subscribers living outside of Britain and Ireland.
Predicted Score
Celtic will be boosted by that result in midweek against Dundee and the players will see the opportunity presented yesterday by theRangers blinking at Ibrox. Instead of being five points behind and under pressure to reduce the gap Celtic can leapfrog theRangers and go a point clear with a victory over Hearts. Predicted score: Hearts 0-2 Celtic.
🟢 Away day in the Capital! ⚪
🆚 Hearts
🏆 #cinchPrem
⌚ 12:00pm
🏟️ Tynecastle
💻 Live on @CelticTV (exc. UK & IRE)
📺 Live on @ScotlandSky#HEACEL | #COYBIG🍀 pic.twitter.com/Og0fHAR21x— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 3, 2024
CELTIC SHORTS…“It’s now game on,” Brendan Rodgers relishing Celtic’s title battle
Magnificent Joe Hart!!!!!!!!!
He has cost us more goals than he has made saves.
A decent keeper would have seen us way ahead in title race.
Too slow across his goals
Can’t organize a defence
Can’t command his area
Won’t catch a cross.