Celtic aim to reclaim first place in the Scottish Premiership as they host league leaders Hearts at Parkhead this Sunday (kick-off: 3pm).
Scheduled to be the new head coach, Wilfried Nancy’s first game in charge of Celtic, the reigning champions, will enter the game on the back of five consecutive league wins and level on points with Hearts following their impressive run of form under interim boss Martin O’Neill, who signed off with a 1-0 victory over Dundee on Wednesday.
Despite leading the hosts on goal difference, visitors Hearts arrive in Glasgow in a poor run of form, with Bruce Anderson’s last-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock on Wednesday condemning them to four league games without a win. Seven points clear of their title rivals just a short while ago, Derek McInnes will be hoping his side can muster a victory against the Celts to reignite their title hopes.
Both managers have numerous decisions to make over their starting XI, with plenty of intrigue expected around how Celtic’s new boss will line up for the top of the table battle.
Ahead of the game at Parkhead, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
5. Alistair Johnston - Celtic - OUT
The Canadian has surgery on a hamstring injury after a reoccurrence of the problem during the Europa League defeat to Sturm Graz in October. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Finlay Pollock - Hearts - OUT
Still working towards a return to fitness following a hamstring injury he suffered earlier in the campaign. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Jota - Celtic - OUT
The Portuguese winger remains out with an ACL injury he suffered last April, and isn't likely to return until the turn of the year at the earliest. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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8. Beni Baningime - Hearts - DOUBT
Hearts' key midfielder has returned to light training, but remains a big doubt for the visit to Glasgow this weekend. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group