Celtic are back, and tomorrow evening’s Scottish Premiership test against Hearts will be a tough one despite the Jambos poor start to the season…
On paper, the Hoops should be aiming to go to the capital and dismantle an out of form Hearts side who despite finishing a comfortable 3rd last campaign have plunged to second bottom in the table.
Neil Critchley took over from Naismith
Although Neil Critchley’s men, formerly under the stewardship of Steven Naismith, have struggled to perform on the domestic scene, displaying defiant performances in the Europa Conference League has not been a problem for the Gorgie-club.
Currently in a respectable 12th spot after three matches in the UECL, one more point for Hearts from their remaining three games would be enough to solidify a top 24 spot with a chance of reaching the last 16 in knockout playoff round ties in February.
Undoubtedly, the misfiring Lawrence Shankland has been a pivotal factor in Hearts’ spiralling downfall this season. The 29 year-old has netted only once during this campaign. It is a long way away from the 24 he racked up last season. From Player of the Year, to somewhat of an unreliable figurehead for the Tynecastle club, Shankland’s fall from grace has been sharp.
Hearts have only scored 14 goals from 13 games
Collectively, Hearts themselves have only scored 14 goals from 13 games in the league. Barring Ross County and Hibs who have slightly worse records, Critchley’s side’s major underlying issue is that they do not score enough goals.
Brendan Rodgers should know all too well about how challenging travelling to face Hearts can be. Celtic’s visit in March ended in disappointment as the hosts won 2-0 through Jorge Grant and a then in form Lawrence Shankland. Also, Adam Idah missed from the penalty spot whilst Yang was ridiculously sent-off by Don Robertson.
Celtic – 24 domestic matches unbeaten
Since that defeat, Celtic have gone 24 domestic matches unbeaten exemplifying consistent form in Scotland. In order to win the league title last season, Rodgers’ men post-Tynecastle had to go on a lengthy run and so they unearthed real quality. The Hearts result seemed to be a galvaniser.
However, underestimation of Hearts would be a callous mistake. With decent players at their exposal, and quite clearly a more competent manager than the last one they had, Hearts can pose a threat to the Hoops.
Notably, returning from international breaks has been a grind for Rodgers’ players. They weren’t at their best when they defeated Hearts 2-0 at Paradise when coming back from September’s break. Nor did Rodgers’ side show much composure returning from October’s internationals drawing 2-2 with Aberdeen.
Celtic should win, but the contest may not be a straightforward one. Three points is critical and would shape us up nicely for Wednesday’s mammoth clash with Belgian champions Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Conor Spence
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Very rarely do we get a comfortable game against the mini huns, especially at there place?
Would be expecting the same again tomorrow, especially as we can tend to be a bit sluggish after an international break?
Still believe our greater quality and subs bench, to call upon, will be enough to win the 3 points all the same?
Yet we will also have to play the cheating officials, with the agenda of no decisions are allowed to go our way whatsoever?
But this is the normal that we face within the SPFL, and as long as we control our play, then making them irrelevant to the outcome, will remain key for ourselves?
Sad state of affairs when cheating officials want to remain the stars of the show, we have to deny them such an opportunity, which we have come pretty decent at doing so of late, and hope we continue that trend yet again tomorrow?