Heart of Midlothian have won only two of their last 16 meetings with Celtic, the Hoops winning the other 14, claiming only two victories over the Celts in the last 11 encounters at Tynecastle.
Hearts vs Celtic preview
It is now 41 seasons since a team outwith the Old Firm were crowned champions of Scotland. Jim McLean's Dundee United won the title in 1983, before Aberdeen, led by Sir Alex Ferguson, went back-to-back the following years, but no one has managed since, although is that about to change?
Well, eight games into this Scottish Premiership season, it is Heart of Midlothian who lead the way, still unbeaten, collecting 22 points out of a possible 24. Last Saturday evening, the Jambos swatted aside Kilmarnock 3-0 at Rugby Park, with Craig Halkett breaking the deadlock before in form Cláudio Braga scored twice in as many minutes in Ayrshire.
That made it five successive victories for Derek McInnes' side, including winning at Ibrox and beating Edinburgh rivals Hibs 1-0 thanks to a stoppage time Halkett winner. This leaves them five points clear at the top of the Premiership table, with more and more onlookers believing they really could win a first title in 66 years. At the start of the season, new investor Tony Bloom said it would be a failure if Hearts did not win the title in the next decade, he was roundly laughed at, but he could be proved right in just one season. So, can Hearts send out a serious statement of intent on Sunday?
Meantime, over in Glasgow, the big two are both enduring nightmare campaign. Rangers are languishing down in sixth place, while Celtic were beaten at Dens Park last Sunday, chaotically losing 2-0 to Dundee. This may be a first domestic defeat of the season for Brendan Rodgers' side, but it had been in the post. Across the four previous Premiership outings, the Hoops had been held to goalless draws by both Rangers and Hibernian, while requiring stoppage time winners to beat both Kilmarnock and Motherwell, as they continue to be far from convincing.
Meantime, unlike their buoyant hosts, the Celts had a mid-week match to contend with, claiming a first European victory at the fifth attempt. The mood inside Parkhead was mutinous when Tomi Horvat's absolute laser fired Sturm Graz in front on Thursday, but quick-fire goals from Liam Scales and then Benjamin Nygren, both coming from corners, snatched a 2-1 victory. Having failed to win either of their first two Europa League fixtures, that was a vital three points. So now, can the Celts get their Premiership title push back on track with a vital victory at Tynecastle on Sunday lunchtime?
Heart of Midlothian vs Celtic head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 386.
- Heart of Midlothian Wins: 89. Draws: 75. Celtic Wins: 222.
Hearts team news
Having had a full week to prepare for this huge clash, there's no reason for Derek McInnes to change very much.
Cláudio Braga's brace against Kilmarnock took his tally to eight goals in just 13 Hearts appearances, having been a revelation since arriving from Aalesund.
Alexander Schwolow will continue in goal, chosen over former Celtic shot-stopper Craig Gordon, while centre-back Craig Halkett and winger Alexandros Kyziridis are expected to be fit, despite suffering knocks at Rugby Park.
Heart of Midlothian predicted lineup vs Celtic: (4-4-2): Schwolow; McEntee, Halkett, Findlay, Kingsley; Devlin, Baningime, Milne, Kyziridis; Braga, Shankland.
Hearts player to watch vs Celtic
Club captain Lawrence Shankland has scored seven times so far this season, including bagging both during the win at Ibrox last month, netting six times across his last nine Premiership meetings with Celtic, including a hat-trick at Tynecastle in October 2022, so will he be the Hearts hero again?
Celtic team news
Fair to say, Celtic's Thursday night win over Sturm Graz came at a cost, or three to be more accurate.
In the first half, both Alistair Johnston, playing his first match since 20 August, and Kelechi Ịheanachọ picked up injuries, the severity of which is not yet known. Then, right at the end, Cameron Carter-Vickers was stretched off, having suffered an achilles injury that could see him sidelined until March.
These are all enormous blows, especially when adding that last season's top-scorer Daizen Maeda and star winger Jota are already in the treatment room. Thus, Brendan Rodgers will have to name a depleted side in Edinburgh, with Colby Donovan likely to get the nod over Anthony Ralston at right-back, Auston Trusty replacing his fellow USMNT international in defence and Johnny Kenny leading the attack.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Heart of Midlothian: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Donovan, Trusy, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Hatate; Nygren, Tounekti, Kenny.
Celtic player to watch vs Hearts
Benjamin Nygren was the match-winner on Thursday, heading home his fifth goal for Celtic, and the Swede will likely be their most-dangerous attacker here too.
Hearts vs Celtic prediction
We are backing Hearts to claim a statement victory at Tynecastle, thereby moving eight points clear at the top of the table. All the momentum is with the Jambos right now, while Celtic will surely be hindered and fatigued following Thursday night European action, in which they suffered injuries to three guaranteed starters, that could blow the title race wide open: Heart of Midlothian 2-1 Celtic.
Hearts vs Celtic FAQs - Scottish Premiership
How to watch Hearts vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on TV channel?
Heart of Midlothian vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Football
- USA: CBS Sports Network, fuboTV & Paramount+
How to watch Hearts vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on live streaming?
Heart of Midlothian vs Celtic 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 Hearts vs Celtic in the Scottish Premiership?
Heart of Midlothian vs Celtic takes place on Sunday 26 October 2025, with kick off at 12:00 (GMT), 8:00 (EDT) & 5:00 (PDT).