Hearts host defending champions Celtic in Scottish Premiership action at Tynecastle Park on Sunday afternoon (12:00 GMT), with a lot at stake in Edinburgh.
Derek McInnes’ men have opened a five-point lead over Brendan Rodgers’ side at the top of the table, and a win would massively boost their chances of winning a first top-flight title since 1960.
Team form
Celtic and Rangers have stumbled out of the blocks in the opening stages of the Scottish Premiership season, and Hearts have capitalised.
The Jam Tarts are sitting pretty in first place with an unbeaten record after eight games, winning seven times and drawing once.
Hearts opened the campaign with wins over Aberdeen and Dundee United before being held to a 3-3 draw against Motherwell.
However, they’ve won their last five games in a row against Livingston, Rangers, Falkirk, rivals Hibernian, and Kilmarnock.
McInnes’ side also have the best attacking record in the league by some way, scoring an impressive 19 goals in their games, while they’ve conceded just six thus far, which is only bested by Celtic’s five.
The reigning champions started the season strong, beating St. Mirren, Aberdeen, and Livingston in their first three games to set the early pace.
But the Bhoys have since tailed off. Largely struggling for consistency, Celtic have won just two of their last five games.
They beat Kilmarnock and Motherwell, while drawing with Rangers and Hibs, and losing to Dundee last weekend.
A defeat against Hearts in the capital would see them fall eight points adrift and leave Celtic with a serious mountain to climb to defend their title.
Head-to-head
It will come as no surprise that Celtic dominate proceedings against Hearts, and they’re currently on a four-game winning streak going into this tie.
The Bhoys have been comfortable in those successes too, winning 3-0 twice, 4-1 on their most recent trip to Tynecastle last November, and 2-0 at Paradise on the other occasion.
Hearts’ last win over Celtic was a 2-0 victory at home five games ago in March 2024, but it’s worth noting that head-to-head form needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, considering both sides’ current form.
Team news
McInnes is going into this fixture with a strong hand. He has a fully fit squad at his disposal, and with no European football to worry about mid-week, Hearts will be fully rested and ready for one of their biggest meetings with Celtic in years.
For Celtic, Jota remains a long-term absentee for the visitors, with the new year now set for his return after suffering an ACL injury last season, but Rodgers could get a couple of boosts to his squad.
Daizen Maeda could return after picking up an injury while on international duty with Japan, while Alister Johnston has been back in full training and might return in time for Sunday. Paulo Bernardo is also on course to return from being sidelined by illness.
Key stats
Claudio Braga is Hearts’ dangerman, scoring five goals in eight games since joining the Edinburgh side in the summer.
Lawrence Shankland has four goals for the Jam Tarts this campaign, making their attack the most dangerous in the league.
Hearts have averaged 2.4 goals per game in the league so far this season.
Winger Benjamin Nygren has made a fast start to his Celtic career, scoring four times in eight Scottish Premiership games.
Celtic have averaged two cards per game in their last five league outings.
Prediction
While still very early in the campaign, the magnitude of this match should not be underestimated. Hearts have a big chance to firmly establish themselves as favourites for the Scottish Premiership title with a win here, ending Celtic and Rangers’ 40 years of dominance.
There’s every chance they could pick up a pivotal three points at Tynecastle, given Celtic’s current form and the increasing pressure on the big bosses at Paradise.
