Hearts v Celtic
Wednesday 28th October – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – League Cup
Hearts have made a very strong start to their first season back in the Scottish Premiership having won the Championship in style, last season. Robbie Neilson’s men sit third in the league, two points behind Aberdeen and a further four adrift of leaders – and their opponents on Wednesday – Celtic. They come into this game unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions, a run which included a 3-2 win in the previous round of the League Cup, as well as a goalless draw at Celtic Park. That performance will give them some belief of causing an upset and progressing to the semi-final, but to do that they will have to achieve something they’ve been unable to do in their last six meetings against the Glasgow club – score a goal.
Following a horrendous showing in Molde where they lost 3-1, Celtic recovered to comfortably see off Dundee United, running out 5-0 winners at the weekend. It is a snapshot of one of the issues that faces the Scottish Champions, as they are infinitely better than the opposition they face domestically, but are often found wanting when it comes to European football. Manager Ronny Deila has come under fierce pressure since that defeat in Norway, particularly as Kris Commons – who scored in the game – was visibly angry at being substituted and vented his rage at the coaching staff. Critics felt it highlighted a split in the dressing room and that Deila had lost the confidence of his experienced players, the response against United was just what was required but it remains to be seen if there are further instances of indiscipline.
Hearts have lost just once at home this season, that defeat coming against Aberdeen back in September. Aside from that, the Jambos have looked very strong at Tynecastle and have kept three clean sheets in their last five games. Their most recent win, a 2-0 success against Ross County on Saturday, was thoroughly deserved despite having to play nearly the entire second half with 10 men. It’s further evidence of the team spirit that Neilson has built at the club which comes from winning so many games. A win on Wednesday with a semi-final to look forward to in the new year would enhance that even further.
Considering how much attention is on the Celtic manager at the moment, it’s unlikely Deila will take too many chances with his team selection on Wednesday. As the current holders of the League Cup, it remains a trophy that the Hoops will be very keen to win, especially as they look to clinch their first treble since 2001. Should there be an upset, however, the pressure on the manager, his back room staff and even the players will only intensify, which is why I expect there to be a great deal of experience in the Celtic line-up.
Hearts v Celtic Betting Tips
As much as Hearts were able to take a point from their visit to Celtic Park in a game they defended resolutely, Celtic passed up an incredible amount of chances and should have been out of sight by half-time. It is not the first time that the Hoops have been extremely wasteful in-front of goal but their supporters will be hoping that Sunday’s demolition of Dundee United, coupled with having scored 24 goals in their last six visits to Tynecastle, means that scoring goals will not be an issue for them on Wednesday.
Games between Celtic and Hearts have a history of being fiery and can often boil over, particularly at the home of Hearts where the supporters are so close to the action. Being a cup tie, I expect there will a frenetic pace from the off. Celtic have started extremely quickly in their last two visits here in cup competitions, scoring within the first half hour. It is because of those goals that they have been able to go on and cruise to victory – that may well be the case again tomorrow. Hearts rode their luck when the two last met but I can’t see lightening striking twice and can see the away side making it eight straight wins at Tynecastle in comfortable fashion.
Celtic (-1) AH 7/10 @ Bet365
