Celtic team vs Hearts confirmed: 4 changes, stream details, instant reaction

By John McGinley

March 8, 2023

Manager Ange Postecoglou has named his Celtic team vs Hearts for tonight’s Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park.

The full match squad is as follows:

Starting XI – Hart, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Bernabei, McGregor, Mooy, O’Riley, Abada, Maeda, Kyogo.

Substitutes – Bain, Johnston, Haksabanovic, Turnbull, Jota, Kobayashi, Oh, Iwata, Hatate.

Tonight is Postecoglou’s 100th game in charge of the Bhoys and a win would see them at least maintain a nine-point lead at the top of the table, with second-placed Rangers playing away to fourth-placed Hibernian.

The manager has made four changes to the starting eleven that beat St Mirren with Anthony Ralston, Alexandro Bernabei, Matt O’Riley and Liel Abada all getting an opportunity. The latter two scored at the weekend.

Postecoglou hinted at rotation to his team earlier this week but he’s still managed to keep the core of his in-form side together while freshening things up.

Broadcast details

Tonight’s match is not being broadcast on television in the UK & Ireland but it is available as an official pay-per-view stream direct from the club, priced £12.99. More information can be found via this link.

Celtic TV will be showing the game live to subscribers outside of the UK & Ireland, worldwide.

BBC Radio Scotland will also be carrying live audio commentary.

Instant verdict on Celtic team vs Hearts

It’s fantastic to see Ralston back in action after a fairly long lay-off with injury. This is his first appearance for the club since 21st December, albeit he’s been in place as an unused substitute recently. He’ll be eager to show that Alistair Johnston has competition on the right flank.

Bernabei has a big chance to impress too, making just his 10th start for the club after signing in the summer transfer window.

Abada and O’Riley, as mentioned, were in excellent form at Paisley on Sunday so it’s not much of a surprise to see either be trusted with a starting spot, with the manager also keeping one eye on Saturday’s quarter-final match at Tynecastle.

It’s a strong team despite the changes and the bench is as deep as ever. Bring on kick-off!

In other news, Ange Postecoglou lauds ‘extraordinary’ Liel Abada; shares what he needs to improve on at Celtic.