Celtic travel to Edinburgh this weekend aiming to continue their unbeaten start to their league season as they clash with struggling Hearts at Tynecastle.
With Aberdeen breathing down Celtic’s neck at the top of the table, and Hearts just one point ahead of basement club Hibs, both sides are desperate to take all three points from Saturday evening’s encounter in the capital.
Hearts boss Neil Critchley knows he must navigate the clash without long-term absentees Gerald Taylor and Calem Nieuwenhof, though Yutaro Oda is in contention to return for the game. There’s less positive news regarding Kenneth Vargas though, with the Costa Rican forward encountering a delay returning to Edinburgh from international duty - meaning he could now miss the game.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has almost a fully fit squad to choose from, with Adam Idah returning to training after an ankle injury and Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda returning from international duty unscathed. Celtic will be without fringe midfielder Odin Thiago Holm though, who has a calf injury.
But how will both sides line up at Tynecastle tomorrow? The Scotsman predicts Hearts’ and Celtic’s starting XI, with a changes anticipated in both line-ups.
5. CB: Frankie Kent - Hearts
One of Hearts' most consistent performers, the experienced defender will look to keep Celtic quiet in the capital. | SNS Group
6. CB: Auston Trusty - Celtic
The American defender has been in fine form and is expected to line-up against Hearts at Tynecastle. | SNS Group
7. CB: Kye Rowles - Hearts
Was an unused substitute in Australia's international games earlier this week, so will return to Edinburgh fresh and raring to go. Forming a decent partnership with Frankie Kent since the appointment of Neil Critchley. | SNS Group
8. CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic
The American will partner fellow countryman Auston Trusty at the back. | SNS Group