Celtic must make small advantage over Hearts and Rangers count

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Celtic face a huge weekend in the Scottish Premiership and will have a small advantage over title rivals Hearts and Rangers that they must make the most of.

The Hoops host Motherwell in the final home game before the international break and cannot afford any more slip-ups as they chase down the five-point lead Derek McInnes’ side currently hold at the top of the table.

However, by the time that the full-time whistle goes at Celtic Park, the pressure could be ramped up on Hearts and Rangers.

• READ MORE: SFA confirm John Beaton for Celtic clash; officials named for crucial Motherwell visit

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Celtic’s early kick-off can help set the pace

A rare Saturday matchday means that Celtic will play before the Jambos and Rangers do this weekend.

Martin O’Neill’s side have a 3pm kick-off for the first time in over 60 days, a whole five hours before Hearts’ game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park begins.

Rangers then play a day later at 12pm against a St Mirren side who begin life without Stephen Robinson following his move to Aberdeen.

Three points for Celtic will set the pace and ramp the pressure up on their rivals to also get the three points.

For the first time in a long time, the ball is in the Hoops’ court. They just need to make it count.

No midweek fixtures will have helped Celtic

As well as playing earlier than the other two teams, the Hoops have actually had some decent recovery time between games.

The fixture list has been relentless due to the Europa League commitments but O’Neill’s side go into the fixture six days after the heroic Scottish Cup win against Rangers.

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Those struggling with knocks have had more time to recover and rest, and aside from the doubts of Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney, there is a clean bill of health to report.