In the upcoming match, Hearts aim to extend their lead over an undermanned Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Historically, Hearts has struggled against Celtic, facing defeat in 14 of their last 16 encounters across all competitions. Their only victories during this stretch were two 2-0 league wins in the 2023-24 season, which occurred in December and March.
Recent Performance Overview
This match marks Celtic’s first league game against a team at the top of the table since their 3-0 win over Rangers in February 2022. However, the team has struggled away from home recently. They have lost their last four league matches when facing teams at the top, including a notable 1-0 defeat to Hearts in August 2018.
Hearts’ Strong Form
On the other hand, Hearts has been in impressive form, winning their last four league games without conceding a single goal. The last instance of a non-Old Firm club (Celtic or Rangers) winning five consecutive league matches without conceding was Aberdeen in April 2023. Hearts last achieved this feat in the top-flight back in December 2010, a run which included a 2-0 win against Celtic.
Celtic’s Current Situation
After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Dundee, Celtic is keen to prevent back-to-back league losses. The last time they experienced consecutive defeats in the league was in May 2023. They aim to break this trend as they head into their match against Hearts.
Key Players
- Harry Milne: Leads the Scottish Premiership with 12 chances created from set plays this season.
- Alexandros Kyziridis: Currently tied for the most assists in the league with 4, alongside Cameron Congreve.
As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, Hearts looks to solidify their standing while Celtic aims to bounce back. This matchup promises to be a significant moment in the Scottish Premiership, showcasing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
