Celtic got the job done in Europe midweek, but the cost may be felt at Tynecastle.
Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 on Thursday night in a much-improved performance.
But defensive leader Cameron Carter-Vickers is now facing up to five months on the sidelines after sustaining a serious injury, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Alistair Johnston were also forced off.
Daizen Maeda is already struggling with an injury.
Now it’s straight into a clash that could shape the title race, a trip to face league leaders Hearts in what is unquestionably the biggest game of the weekend.
Kick-off Time & How to Watch
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Date: Sunday, October 26
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Kick-off: 12:00 BST
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Venue: Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh
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Live on: Sky Sports Football
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Coverage starts: 11:00 BST
Celtic Team News
Celtic’s midweek win lifted spirits, but the casualty list is growing.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is out until at least March after picking up a knee injury. Kelechi Iheanacho and Alistair Johnston also came off during the Sturm Graz game and are doubts for Sunday.
On the plus side, Engels was handed a rare start in midfield and impressed and with momentum on his side, it’s hard to see him dropping out.
Rodgers will have to make changes, but with Hearts five points clear at the top, this is a must-win if Celtic want to regain control of the title race.
Celtic Predicted XI (4-3-3)
GK: Kasper Schmeichel
RB: Colby Donovan
CB: Dane Murray
CB: Liam Scales
LB: Kieran Tierney
CM: Reo Hatate
CM: Callum McGregor
CM: Engels
RW: Benji Nygren
ST: Johnny Kenny
LW: Seb Tounekti
Hearts Form
Steven Naismith’s men are flying. Sitting top of the Premiership, five points clear of Celtic, they’ll fancy their chances at Tynecastle, a ground where Celtic have had mixed fortunes in recent years.
The Jambos are on a 5-game winning run, and one of those wins came at Ibrox.
Match Officials
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Referee: Steven McLean
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Assistant Referees: Graeme Stewart, David Roome
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VAR: Andrew Dallas
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AVAR: David Dickinson
CONFIRMED LINEUPS ARE OUT!
Our predicted XI was bang on the money.
It’s the biggest match of the season so far and a huge test of Celtic’s mentality.
