For the final time this Premiership season, Celtic are in action this afternoon as Martin O’Neill names his starting XI for the title showdown against Hearts at Celtic Park.
The timing could not carry anymore meaning. Celtic kept the race alive with the dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park in midweek, sealed by Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage-time penalty after a VAR review. The result dragged O’Neill’s side into one final push after weeks of chasing.
The table leaves no room for caution now. Hearts arrive in Glasgow knowing a draw will be enough to lift the title, while Celtic must win. Rangers have long since dropped away from the fight, leaving this as a straight shoot-out between the top two. Celtic’s margin for error disappeared weeks ago.
Hearts have made life awkward for almost everybody this season and Derek McInnes has built a side that stays compact without losing its threat going forward. They are disciplined across the midfield line, defend their box well and break quickly when space opens up. Celtic will spend long spells on the ball, but finding gaps through the middle will not be simple.
The Motherwell game summed Celtic up at the moment. They were far from convincing for long spells and Motherwell caused problems whenever they broke through midfield pressure. Even so, Celtic still scored three times and found a way to win again when the match looked to be drifting away from them.
That balance matters again today. Celtic will need patience in possession, but they also need sharper decision-making around the box. Slow circulation will suit Hearts. Quick switches of play and runners beyond the back line are more likely to pull McInnes’ side out of shape.
There is also the physical side of it. Celtic have pushed hard through the last few weeks chasing results and O’Neill has relied heavily on experienced players to get them here. Selection today is as much about energy levels as form.
The wide areas could decide the game. Alistair Johnston’s delivery from the right and the movement ahead of him have become a major part of Celtic’s attacking play during this run. Hearts will likely double up in those areas, so Celtic’s forwards must attack crosses with more conviction than they managed at Fir Park.
Set pieces could also become crucial. Hearts are dangerous from dead balls and Celtic have looked vulnerable defending second phases at times over the last month. At the other end, Arne Engel’s delivery gives Celtic another route if open play becomes crowded.
Here is the Celtic starting XI to face Hearts:
Kick-off at Celtic Park is 12:30pm. The match is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning before noon as the Premiership title race reaches its final afternoon.
