Hearts at Tynecastle is a notoriously difficult ground to visit for Celtic. Prior to the 3-0 Scottish Cup win in March, you need to go as far back as April 2017 for the last time Celtic won in Edinburgh by three or more clear goals.
And this weekend won’t be any different. Hearts always seem to up their game against Celtic. And whilst Andy Halliday believes that Celtic will eventually be crowned champions, he has revealed his side’s motivation to make sure that the celebrations don’t start this weekend.
Speaking to Edinburgh News, Halliday said, “Celtic have been the most dominant side in Scotland for a period of time. Our games against them over the last two years have been really competitive, although we haven’t always got results. We have shown ourselves in good light apart from the last game against them at Tynecastle [a 3-0 Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat in March].
“People think because it might decide the title that it would naturally give you an extra 10 per cent. For me, it really doesn’t. Whether I’m playing a kickabout in training or a Scottish Cup final, you want to win. That doesn’t change whether Celtic can win the league this week or next week.
“The fact is: They’re going to win the league. The motivation for us is getting points for Hearts. These are five massive games and we want European football for the club again next year.”
So with everything to play for, both sides are teed up for what could be a cracker in the capital this afternoon. Hearts are only five points behind Aberdeen in the hunt for third place. Defeat today means that their pursuit of the Dons could be over if Barry Robson’s men take anything from Ibrox this afternoon.
As Ange Postecoglou eluded to at the pre-match press conference during the week, Celtic will need to earn the win this afternoon.
Hearts still have plenty to play for and with Ange going to Edinburgh with two key players missing, if our prediction is correct, Yuki Kobayashi and Anthony Ralston will have to be at their best to secure the title-clinching three points.
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