Watch Celtic V Hearts Line-Ups, Preview, Picks 19th January 2013 SPL: Hearts vs. Celtic Preview | Hearts host
Champions Celtic at Tyncastle as both side look to get back to winning
ways in the SPL. Celtic will travel to Edinburgh eager to pick up all
three points after suffering two consecutive defeats. The defeat last
Saturday at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle angered a number of the
Celtic support to the point manager Neil Lennon confronted an
individual in the stand. Despite poor home form which has seen Celtic
secure only a single point out of a possible nine, they remain top of
the SPL, largely due to positive away results and performances. The
challenge of Hearts at Tyncastle is a significant one for Neil Lennon’s
side, they face a club with well reported financial difficulties off the
pitch, however the clubs supporters will put off field problems to one
side and fill Tyncastle to ensure an intimidating atmosphere for the
away side.
Celtic have won 4 of the last 6 matches between these two sides, with their last visit to Tyncastle back in February ending 4-0 to the Glasgow side. Hearts however will be gain confidence from there recent results, where they havent lost in their last 3 matches. Pressure has been building on Celtic domestically after they have continually suffered a european hangover, failing to win games after their heroic Champions League encounters. The major grievance the Celtic support had last weekend was that the performance of the team, especially with the match being played at home, lacked a cutting edge, the players looked too relaxed and disinterested. The trip to Hearts will be a significant test for the Celtic players and management, as they owe the Celtic supporters a far improved performance overall.
Hearts will be without defender Danny Grainger after he suffered a knee injury after falling awkwardly in the draw against Motherwell last Saturday. It’s a big blow to Grainger who has been in fine form for Hearts so far this season, however it now looks like he could be sidelined for a significant period. Kevin McHattie could be in line for his debut as a result of Grainger missing out, however McGlynn has other options including Ryan McGowan and Mehdi Taouil. Callum Paterson is also an injury doubt for the Edinburgh side after he suffered a knock to the face against Motherwell.
Celtic have injury concerns of their own with James Forrest still sidelined, and Captain Scott Brown still struggling with a long-term problem which will need surgery. Brown did come on as a substitute against ICT however his ability to play a full 90 minutes is doubtful. Midfielder Joe Ledley should be back in the squad after missing out against ICT and could well be partnered by Beram Kayal in midfield.
Hearts Manager John McGlynn spoke ahead of the game and stressed that Celtic’s poor performances after european games was understandable.
“Celtic lost at the weekend but it’s difficult for any team playing at their level in Europe. The Champions League is a massive ask and they have done exceptionally well.
“Celtic have found it tough coming back from European fixtures but that’s the challenges you face at a massive club. They have the quality and depth to cope.”
Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew also spoke ahead of the match, insisting Celtic are focused on collecting all three points tomorrow night.
“It’s always a hard game, always a great atmosphere and we’re looking forward to it. Hearts will be pumped up for it and we will be as well.
“We are not thinking about Spartak at the moment. We need to put it to the back of our minds, especially after losing to Inverness on Saturday.
“It makes this an even bigger game for us and we are just focusing on trying to get three points at Tynecastle. It will be difficult but it’s what we need to do.”
Potential Starting XI
Prediction
Celtic should have enough strength in-depth to cope with injuries and fatigue. The trip to Tyncastle is always a difficult one however with the added pressure on the side after last weekends poor performance/result against ICT, the Celtic players will know they must take all three points back to Glasgow.
90 Minute Cynic Prediction: Hearts 1-2 Celtic
Celtic have won 4 of the last 6 matches between these two sides, with their last visit to Tyncastle back in February ending 4-0 to the Glasgow side. Hearts however will be gain confidence from there recent results, where they havent lost in their last 3 matches. Pressure has been building on Celtic domestically after they have continually suffered a european hangover, failing to win games after their heroic Champions League encounters. The major grievance the Celtic support had last weekend was that the performance of the team, especially with the match being played at home, lacked a cutting edge, the players looked too relaxed and disinterested. The trip to Hearts will be a significant test for the Celtic players and management, as they owe the Celtic supporters a far improved performance overall.
Hearts will be without defender Danny Grainger after he suffered a knee injury after falling awkwardly in the draw against Motherwell last Saturday. It’s a big blow to Grainger who has been in fine form for Hearts so far this season, however it now looks like he could be sidelined for a significant period. Kevin McHattie could be in line for his debut as a result of Grainger missing out, however McGlynn has other options including Ryan McGowan and Mehdi Taouil. Callum Paterson is also an injury doubt for the Edinburgh side after he suffered a knock to the face against Motherwell.
Celtic have injury concerns of their own with James Forrest still sidelined, and Captain Scott Brown still struggling with a long-term problem which will need surgery. Brown did come on as a substitute against ICT however his ability to play a full 90 minutes is doubtful. Midfielder Joe Ledley should be back in the squad after missing out against ICT and could well be partnered by Beram Kayal in midfield.
Hearts Manager John McGlynn spoke ahead of the game and stressed that Celtic’s poor performances after european games was understandable.
“Celtic lost at the weekend but it’s difficult for any team playing at their level in Europe. The Champions League is a massive ask and they have done exceptionally well.
“Celtic have found it tough coming back from European fixtures but that’s the challenges you face at a massive club. They have the quality and depth to cope.”
Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew also spoke ahead of the match, insisting Celtic are focused on collecting all three points tomorrow night.
“It’s always a hard game, always a great atmosphere and we’re looking forward to it. Hearts will be pumped up for it and we will be as well.
“We are not thinking about Spartak at the moment. We need to put it to the back of our minds, especially after losing to Inverness on Saturday.
“It makes this an even bigger game for us and we are just focusing on trying to get three points at Tynecastle. It will be difficult but it’s what we need to do.”
Potential Starting XI
Prediction
Celtic should have enough strength in-depth to cope with injuries and fatigue. The trip to Tyncastle is always a difficult one however with the added pressure on the side after last weekends poor performance/result against ICT, the Celtic players will know they must take all three points back to Glasgow.
90 Minute Cynic Prediction: Hearts 1-2 Celtic
