Celtic had won each of their last four meetings with Hearts, as well as 14 of their last 16 encounters, prior to a 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle in October.
The Jambos have won just one of their last 28 visits to Parkhead, losing 26 of them, albeit their sole Premiership victory there since 2007 came two years.
Celtic vs Hearts preview
There is a serious title race in Scotland this season, with these two clubs kicking off level on points, so who will claim a priceless victory in Sunday's top of the table clash?
Back on 26 October, Celtic were emphatically beaten 3-1 at Tynecastle, a result that left them eight points adrift the leaders, and was followed by Brendan Rodgers' shock resignation the following day. Well, under interim manager Martin O'Neill, the Hoops have certainly turned their fortunes around, winning five out of five in the Premiership, most recently beating Dundee 1-0 on Wednesday, thanks to Daizen Maeda's header after just 11 minutes.
That would prove to be the end of O'Neill's return because, on Thursday, Wilfried Nancy was unveiled as the Celts' new manager. The Frenchman has only ever coached in Major League Soccer before, enjoying great success in charge of both CF Montréal and Columbus Crew, but has plenty to prove this side of the pond. Well, he is certainly thrown in at the deep end, with this top of the table clash followed by a Europa League game against Roma and then next Sunday's League Cup Final, facing St Mirren at Hampden. Celtic have won 13 of the last 14 Premiership titles, so supporters simply expect their side to win the league, so will they move top with a victory here?
As for Heart of Midlothian, when they swatted Celtic aside six weeks ago, a first title for 70 years appeared genuinely plausible, but they have repeatedly faltered. In fact, since then, Derek McInnes' side have won only one of their six matches, including being defeated 1-0 by Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Most recently, on Wednesday night, despite leading through Lawrence Shankland, Hearts were held to a 1-1 draw by Kilmarnock at Tynecastle, conceding a stoppage time equaliser. The Jambos have therefore still only lost once all season, but the fact that four of their last six have produced draws has allowed Celtic to catch up, the pair both kicking off in 32 points. So, can Hearts get back on track with a statement victory, or will Nancy begin his Celtic tenure by taking them top of the table?
Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 141.
- Celtic Wins: 98. Draws: 16. Heart of Midlothian Wins: 27.
Celtic team news
Across 215 matches in charge of Montréal and Columbus, Wilfried Nancy almost exclusively deployed a back three, something Celtic are not accustomed to, so his selection will be fascinating.
Well, he takes over a squad enduring an injury crisis. Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota and Callum Osmand are sidelined long-term, while Kelechi Ịheanachọ is also currently injured.
In terms of who will feature, Kieran Tierney is set to return at left-back, after Marcelo Saracchi picked up a knock against Dundee, with Daizen Maeda leading the line.
Meanwhile, Yang Hyun-Jun and Luke McCowan have started the last two matches out-wide, but Sebastian Tounekti, Benjamin Nygren and Michel-Ange Balikwisha will all be hoping a change of management sees them return.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Heart of Midlothian: (3-4-2-1): Schmeichel; Ralston, Trusty, Scales; Donovan, McGregor, Hatate, Tierney; Nygren, Tounekti, Maeda.
Celtic player to watch vs Hearts
Midfielder Reo Hatate scored a thunderbolt on his Celtic debut at Tynecastle almost four years ago now, but has not netted in 12 meetings with Hearts since, so can he change that fact?
Hearts team news
Derek McInnes did rotate his team for the mid-week draw with Kilmarnock, potentially with this key trip to Glasgow in mind.
Striker Cláudio Braga, who has scored nine goals this season, is likely to return in attack, with Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley back in defence, while Alan Forrest, brother of James, could drop out.
Heart of Midlothian predicted lineup vs Celtic: (4-4-2): Schwolow; McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley; Devlin, Spittal, Milne, Kyziridis; Braga, Shankland.
Hearts player to watch vs Celtic
On top of one rather important one for Scotland, Lawrence Shankland has scored 11 clubs goals this season. His penalty when Celtic visited Tynecastle was his seventh career goals against Celtic, albeit only one of these has come in Glasgow, so can he fire Hearts to a famous win?
Celtic vs Hearts prediction
We are backing a resurgent Celtic to pick up three points here, given Hearts' recent downturn in form, with Wilfried Nancy thereby making the dream start in Glasgow: Celtic 3-1 Heart of Midlothian.
Celtic vs Hearts FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- USA: CBS Sports Network
How to watch Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
What is the date and kick-off time for Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership?
Celtic vs Heart of Midlothian takes place on Sunday 7 December 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (GMT), 10:00 (ET) & 7:00 (PT).