Bhoys to Bounce Back v Hearts
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


November: Adam Idah scored twice in the 4-1 win the last time these sides met


Celtic Park, Glasgow
Saturday, 29 March 2025
15.00 GMT

The Hoops are back in Premiership action this weekend following the International break, looking to get back on track when they host 6th placed Hearts, tomorrow afternoon.

With 8 matches remaining and Celtic holding a 13 point advantage at the top of the table, the Bhoys require a maximum of four more wins to secure the League title, and will be eager to ensure that after this weekend that number wil be down to just three.

International breaks can be frustrating at the best of times, but they can seem to drag on forever, especially when the most recent performance going into that break was such a disappointment, when all anyone would want is to quickly move on from that.

With the end of the season in sight, there remain some significant challenges for Brendan Rodgers and his side to overcome; not least of which will be the absence of the previously ever-present Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks.

The recent result against their city rivals has dented the Hoops previously imperious 'Home' record, but there had been warning signs previous, with Celtic having kept just 1 clean sheet while conceding 9 goals in their past 6 matches overall, and have now won just half of the last 8 games across all competitions (W4 D1 L3).

A common trait has been the predictabiliity of always looking to play out from the back without mixing it up, which has afforded oppositions the chance to press with confidence, cut off time on the ball and capitalize on any mistakes.

It is a trend that Rodgers hopefully has taken some time to analyse during the break and can make the necessary adjustments to correct this for the title run-in.


November: Nicholas Kuhn delivered the pivotal moment that broke Hearts at Tynecastle

Much has happened since the last time these sides met back in November, which Celtic were eventually 4-1 victors. Although there had been a slight uptick under Neil Critchley prior to that match, Hearts were still languishing in 11th and a lot of hard work still lay ahead of them.

The Edinburgh club has made steady progress in the 4 months since then, clambouring away from the relegation dogfight and now embroiled in the midtable scramble as they look to clinch a place in the top half ahead of the League split.

There is no doubt that Hearts have become a rejuvenated force, especially since the turn of the year, which has seen them win 7 of their 10 League games in addition to setting up a Scottish Cup Semi-Final fixture against Aberdeen, next month.

A key reason for that improvement has been the form and willingness to run in behind of Elton Kabangu and teenager James Wilson, which has afforded captain Lawrence Shankland space to slot into more of a playmaker '10' type role.

If the Tynecastle club are to maintain their spot ahead of the split, they cannot afford to simply hope that other results go in their favour, aware that Motherwell - sitting just 1 point behind the Jambos - are just as keen to take full advantage of any slip.

With that in mind, Critchley will be preparing them with the objective and belief that they can take something away from this fixture, as the midtable race ahead of the split reaches it's climax over the next few weeks.

With the Hoops facing their own challenges, the historical interest in this fixture and the improvement in Hearts' fortunes, there is plenty to ensure that there will be a lot of attention on this weekend's clash, which should attract a packed out Celtic Park.​

Dangerman: Elton Kabangu has 8 goals in 11 appearances since joining Hearts on loan in January

By the Numbers​

• Celtic have won 13 of the past 15 meetings between these sides across all competitions.

• First Goal Matters - Celtic have only won once in the League (W1 D0 L3) when the Bhoys have conceded first, while Hearts have lost only once (W10 D1 L1) when they have scored first.

• The Hoops are statistically favoured in this, having scored 24 first half goals at Home in the League this season, while conceding only twice. By contrast, Hearts 'Away' have scored just 8, while conceding 10.

• Closer Than You Think - So far in 2025, Celtic (P12 W8 D1 L3 = 25 pts) have picked up just 2 League points more than Hearts (P12 W7 D2 L3 = 23 pts).

Finnish shotstopper Viljami Sinisalo is set to make his Premiership debut this weekend

Team News

For Celtic, defender Liam Scales (cheekbone) is expected to be missing once again while there is a doubt concerning Auston Trusty (calf). The big news naturally is the absence of Kasper Schmeichel, who picked up a shoulder problem while on Denmark duty, with the 23 year old Finnish deputy, Viljami Sinisalo set to make his Premiership debut.

Elsewhere, captain Callum McGregor should be once again available to lead the side, while Paulo Bernardo has resumed training and is in contention, as is James Forrest, both of whom will be looking to make an impact after their respective return from injury,

As for the visitors, Australian midfielder Cammy Devlin is expected to make his return after a serious head injury and subsequent concussion which has kept him out since the beginning of February, while Jamie McCart faces a late fitness test before a decision will be made on his availability.

However Stephen Kingsley, Craig Halkett and Frankie Kent remain sidelined through injury, while Yutaro Oda has left to return to Japan, earlier this week.​

Referee: Kevin Clancy

Clancy is one of the most experienced referees still active in the top flight, having taken charge of 227 Premiership matches since his debut in 2012. Celtic have won all 4 games that he has officiated this season (2LG 2 LC) - the most recent being the 2-0 win against Dundee United, back in January.

Celtic's Overall Record
M:59 W:44 D:8 L:7

VAR: Greg Aitken



~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 338 W: 184 D: 75 L: 79​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W L L

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~

All Comps
L W W W L ~ W W L W W

SPFL
L W W L W ~ W L W W L ​