Celtic and Hearts are set to battle in a high-profile Scottish Premiership showdown on Sunday at Tynecastle Park.
The league leaders welcome the defending champions in a fixture that could have major implications for the title race as the season gathers pace.
The two sides head into the clash under very different circumstances. Hearts are flying high at the top of the table, unbeaten and brimming with confidence, while Celtic are desperate to narrow the five-point gap and reignite their push for another league crown.
Celtic XI vs Hearts – Predicted lineup and team news
Celtic Team News
For Brendan Rodgers, the timing could hardly be worse. Celtic’s squad has been hit hard by injuries, leaving the manager with several key absentees before one of their most important league games of the campaign. Cameron Carter-Vickers is sidelined for three to five months following an Achilles injury sustained in Thursday’s Europa League triumph over Sturm Graz — a major setback for Rodgers’ defensive plans.
The Hoops will also be without full-back Alistair Johnston and striker Kelechi Iheanacho, both nursing hamstring injuries from the same European fixture. Daizen Maeda remains doubtful after a recent setback, while winger Jota continues his long-term recovery from injury.
Veteran winger James Forrest has emphasised that Celtic still have enough depth and quality to cope with these challenges. However, the loss of three regular starters will undoubtedly test Rodgers’ squad as they look to claw back ground on an in-form Hearts side.
Celtic Predicted Lineup
Possible Celtic starting XI: Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Hatate; Engels, Kenny, Tounekti.
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 1pm BST on Sunday, 26th October.
How to Watch Hearts vs Celtic?
Fans in the United Kingdom can tune into Sky Sports to watch live coverage of what promises to be a captivating contest at Tynecastle.
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