This could be a title decider with Hearts currently six points clear of Celtic at the top of the league.
Hearts vs Celtic
Hearts, currently leading the Premiership, will face off against Celtic, who sit in second place, in a highly anticipated clash at Tynecastle on Sunday, January 25th, 2026, at 15:00. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in this top-of-the-table encounter.
Hearts vs Celtic Form
Hearts have experienced a mixed but largely competitive run across league and cup competitions. They began with a 2-1 league victory over Rangers, followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat at Hibernian. The team then bounced back with three successive wins: 1-0 at Livingston, 1-0 at Dundee, and 2-0 at home to St. Mirren, showing growing confidence and defensive solidity. Their most recent outing was a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in the Scottish FA Cup, highlighting a resilient performance despite being held.
Celtic have experienced a mixed spell of results across league, cup, and European competitions. They started with a 2-0 league defeat at Motherwell and followed it up with a 3-1 loss to Rangers, leaving them in a rough patch domestically. The Hoops recovered strongly with consecutive wins: 4-0 over Dundee United, 1-0 at Falkirk, and 2-0 at Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish FA Cup, showing their ability to dominate weaker opposition. Most recently, Celtic were held 2-2 by Bologna in the Europa League
Hearts vs Celtic Head to Head
Celtic have generally dominated recent encounters with Hearts, winning four of the last six league meetings and keeping clean sheets in three of those victories. Hearts have claimed two wins, including a 3-1 home victory in October 2025 and a 2-1 win at Celtic Park in December 2025, showing they can challenge the Hoops on occasion. Overall, while Celtic usually hold the upper hand, Hearts have been able to spring surprises in recent seasons.
Hearts vs Celtic Predicted Lineups
Hearts (4-2-3-1): Schwolow; Milne, Findlay, Halkett, Steinwender; Magnússon, Spittal; Kyziridis, McEntee, Chesnokov; Braga
Celtic (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Tierney, Scales, Trusty, Donovan; McGregor, Engels; Tounekti, Hatate, Hyun-Jun; Maeda
Hearts vs Celtic Team News
Hearts will be without several key players for this match. Devlin and Shankland are both injured. Nieuwenhof, Pollock, Ageu, Kingsley, and McEntee are all doubtful. Baningime is suspended.
Celtic also have a few concerns. Jota is out injured, while Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Osmand, Iheanacho, and Saracchi are all doubtful.
Who is the betting favourite in Hearts vs Celtic?
Celtic are marginally favourites to win this game at a best price of 13/10 with Ladbrokes. Hearts are 21/10.
| Full-Time Result | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Hearts | 21/20 | bet365 |
| Draw | 5/2 | bet365 |
| Celtic | 13/10 | Ladbrokes |
Hearts vs Celtic Match Prediction
A huge Scottish Premiership top-of-the-table clash takes place at Tynecastle, as league leaders Hearts host Celtic on Sunday afternoon in Edinburgh.
Heart of Midlothian were eliminated from the Scottish Cup by divisional rivals Falkirk, following a 1-1 draw after extra-time before spot kicks determined the Jambos' fate as they fell at the first hurdle in this season's competition. Injuries and suspensions are piling up for Hearts, but they could open up a nine point gap over Celtic should they beat the Bhoys for the third time this season.
Celtic head to Tynecastle following a 2-2 draw in their midweek match away to Bologna, disappointed that they didn't hang on to all three points to take them a step closer to the Europa League playoff places. Aside from their continental exploits, the Hoops have ground to make up domestically. There would be no greater time to secure a first victory over their hosts, Hearts, in 2025/26.
Hearts have had a full week to prepare for this massive match, but may be unable to take advantage of a potentially-fatigued Celtic given a few key absentees are missing.
Score Prediction: Hearts 1-1 Celtic
Scottish Premiership Winner Odds
- Celtic - 13/10
- Hearts - 21/10
- Rangers - 11/4
Click here to see the current Scottish Premiership odds.
Hearts vs Celtic Bet Builder Tips
Our Bet Builder tips for Hearts vs Celtic features Arne Engels 1+ Shot on Target, Claudio Braga 1+ Shot on Target & Harry Milne 1+ Shot.
At the time of publishing it is a best price of 11/4 with bet365.
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