Celtic v Hearts: Team News, Referee Details, Kick-Off Time & Where to Watch

Celtic return to Premiership action tomorrow afternoon as Martin O’Neill’s side welcome Hearts to Celtic Park.

The Scottish Champions will be looking to respond to Thursday’s disappointing 4-1 defeat against Benfica in Lisbon, with the visitors returning to Paradise for the first time since May’s dramatic title decider.

Celtic currently hold a five-point advantage over the Edinburgh side, with three points on Sunday providing an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the Premiership.

Team News

Martin O’Neill faces several selection decisions following Thursday’s European defeat, particularly in defence. Cameron Carter-Vickers remains doubtful after missing the previous two matches with a strain. Dane Murray deputised against Benfica, the manager might fancy a pairing of Auston Trusty alongside Liam Scales.

Alistair Johnston is also recovering from a hamstring problem, with the Canadian expected to return to action shortly.

Kieran Tierney is also available following his recent return to fitness, giving O’Neill another experienced option in defence. It remains to be seen whether Landon Emenalo will be involved.

In the midfield, Mika Baur picked up a dead leg against Benfica but is expected to be involved. You would imagine that Sorensen, who didn’t show much, would drop out.

There is better news further forward, with Jota available for selection after making his long-awaited comeback against Motherwell last weekend. The Portuguese winger missed Thursday’s European fixture because he was not registered for the competition.

Callum Osmand is another option for O’Neill after returning from his hamstring injury. The youngster featured from the bench in Lisbon and will be hoping for further involvement against Hearts.

You would expect Hogh to lead the line with Camilo Duran and Hassan in the wide areas. Yang is still absent.

Predicted XI: Sinisalo; Tierney, Scales, Trusty, Donovan; Baur, McGregor, Nygren; Duran, Hogh, Hassan.

Referee Details

The Scottish FA has appointed David Dickinson to referee Sunday’s Premiership encounter.

Dickinson will be assisted by David McGeachie and Ross Macleod, while Colin Steven has been appointed fourth official.

Chris Graham will oversee VAR operations, assisted by Duncan Williams.

The full officiating team is: Referee: David Dickinson Assistant referees: David McGeachie and Ross Macleod Fourth official: Colin Steven VAR: Chris Graham Assistant VAR: Duncan Williams

Kick-Off Time

Celtic face Hearts at Celtic Park on Sunday, 18 October 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

The fixture marks Hearts’ first visit to Paradise since Celtic’s extraordinary 3-1 victory on the final afternoon of last season, when late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand secured the Premiership title.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 2.30pm.

Supporters can also watch through Sky Go with an eligible Sky Sports subscription, while NOW offers an alternative streaming option.

CelticPlayer will provide its usual match coverage for subscribers outside Britain and Ireland.