- Celtic FC have won two of their last three away games.
- Hearts Of Midlothian FC have won three of their last five matches in all competitions, while Celtic FC have also won three.
- Recent head-to-heads between these clubs average 2.0 goals for Hearts and 2.5 for Celtic when Hearts have been the hosts.
Hearts hold Premiership leadership from champions Celtic
Hearts have dominated the Premiership this season and sit top of the table with 50 points from 22 matches - six clear of Celtic FC in second with 44.
Jambos have had a mixed week, beating Dundee FC on the road and Saint Mirren FC at home in the Premiership, but exiting the Scottish FA Cup at the hands of Falkirk FC after a 1-1 draw and a penalty shoot-out defeat.
However, they are unbeaten at home in the league this season, having won eight and drawn three of their 11 Premiership games on their home turf. This Hearts Of Midlothian FC vs Celtic FC preview highlights just how formidable Hearts have become at Tynecastle.
Celtic’s away form is mixed with six wins, one draw and four losses in 11
Celtic have also been in solid form recently, winning three and losing two of their last five in all competitions. This run includes a 4-0 drubbing of Dundee United FC in Glasgow, an away win at Falkirk FC and a success over Auchinleck Talbot FC.
But Martin O’Neill’s side have been less impressive on the road in the top flight, winning six, drawing one and losing four of their 11 away games. This run of results has seen the Hearts Of Midlothian FC vs Celtic FC prediction become even more intriguing, as Celtic average 1.27 goals per game on the road, scoring 14 in total.
Hearts look to exploit space on counter-attacks
Derek McInnes’ Hearts, who have played brilliantly under the ex-Aberdeen manager since his appointment in May 2025, set up in a narrow and compact shape that is rigidly disciplined in defense.
Beni Baningime anchors the midfield and the Jambos can be almost impenetrable in their low block, which allows them to hit the opposition hard on counter-attacks, usually via set-pieces or direct transitions.
This Hearts Of Midlothian FC vs Celtic FC prediction will also hinge on Lawrence Shankland, who is their talisman up front and leads the line in the majority of matches, netting 11 times in 21 Premiership appearances this term, three of which have come in his last five games.
Celtic’s high-tempo football can trouble Hearts
Celtic will be a different test for Hearts, however. O’Neill has been in charge at Celtic Park since May 2026, but his tactical overhaul has already started to bear fruit with Celtic regularly playing a high-tempo, possession-based style of soccer.
In terms of the Hearts Of Midlothian FC vs Celtic FC prediction, O’Neill’s favoured wing-backs and back three allow Celtic to flood the centre of the field and move the ball at pace with vertical combinations.
Matt O’Riley has been the orchestrator of Celtic’s central midfield this term, providing the creativity and key passes for the visitors in their possession-heavy style.
Benjamin Nygren is the club’s most reliable goal scorer this year, finding the back of the net 10 times in 22 league outings. But I’d still stick with Shankland to notch a goal in this big game.
Jambos are unbeaten at home in Premiership
This clash of styles looks like an interesting tactical chess game, with Hearts’ compactness and counter-punching ability up against Celtic’s proactive, high-possession style.
The hosts are undefeated at Tynecastle in the Scottish Premiership and have momentum in this head-to-head after winning the last two meetings, including a 2-1 win at Celtic six weeks ago.
For those looking for Hearts Of Midlothian FC vs Celtic FC betting tips, Celtic are slight favorites at 2.34, with Hearts priced up at 2.85 and the draw at 3.45, but we think there’s value in the Over 2.5 goals market at 1.8 given the recent scoring trends in this fixture and the respective attacking profiles of these two clubs.
