Hearts vs Celtic prediction, preview, team news and more | Scottish Premiership 2021-22

Celtic take on Hearts in a Scottish Premiership game on Saturday
Celtic take on Hearts in a Scottish Premiership game on Saturday

Celtic begin their 2021-22 Scottish Premiership campaign with a game against newly-promoted side Hearts on Saturday.

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Celtic are coming off a 2-1 loss to Danish outfit Midtjylland in a UEFA Champions League qualifying round game which essentially knocked them out of contention for the group stages. Celtic lost the tie 3-2 on aggregate, with Raphael Nwadike's 94th-minute strike serving as the final nail in the coffin.

Celtic finished last season in second place, finishing a whopping 15 points behind winners and bitter rivals Rangers. New manager Ange Postecoglou will be tasked with leading The Hoops back to the summit, but it will be a difficult task considering the roster quality the Rangers possess.

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Meanwhile, Hearts registered a narrow 1-0 win over Inverness CT in their last competitive fixture. Hearts' Jamie Walker scored the only goal of the game.


Hearts vs Celtic Head-to-Head

Hearts and Celtic have played 87 games against each other so far. Celtic have won 63 matches, while 10 games have ended in draws. A total of 14 matches have been won by Hearts.

The two sides last met each other in the Scottish Cup in December 2020, when Celtic ended up winning 4-3 on penalties.

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Hearts form guide: W-W-L-W-W

Celtic form guide: W-D-L-D-L


Hearts vs Celtic Team News

Hearts

John Souttar is doubtful for the clash against Celtic with a minor knock.

Liam Boyce is expected to start upfront with Armand Gnanduillet dropping to the bench.

Injuries: None

Doubtful: John Souttar

Suspension: None

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Celtic

Celtic will welcome Nir Bitton back into the fold after he was suspended for the game against Midtjylland.

Christopher Jullien is out with a knee issue, while star striker Karamoko Dembele and Mikey Johnston have also been sidelined with injuries. Leigh Griffiths' participation is in doubt due to a minor problem.

Injuries: Christopher Jullien, Karamoko Dembele, Mikey Johnston

Doubtful: Leigh Griffiths

Suspension: None


Hearts vs Celtic Predicted XI

Hearts predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Craig Gordon, John Souttar, Craig Halkett, Stephan Kingsley; Michael Smith, Peter Haring, Andy Halliday, Alex Cochrane; Josh Ginnelly, Gary Mackay-Steven; Liam Boyce

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Celtic predicted XI (4-3-3): Vasilis Barkas, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh, Nir Bitton, Greg Taylor; David Turnbull, Ismaila Soro, Callum McGregor; Liel Abada, Odsson Edouard, Ryan Christie


Hearts vs Celtic Prediction

Celtic go into Saturday's game as heavy favorites. Hearts are a newly-promoted side and fans can expect The Hoops to dominate all phases of the game. In all likelihood, Celtic will start their season with an emphatic win.

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Prediction: Hearts 0-4 Celtic


Also read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Chelsea's plans for the transfer window, Arsenal complete signing and more

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Edited by Peter P
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