Hearts vs Celtic
18 December 1945hrs
Football – Scotland – Premiership
Pick Over 2.5 goals
Bookmaker Marathonbet
Odds: 18/25 odds taken 2000 GMT, Tuesday 17 December)
Hearts are currently only off bottom spot in the Premiership courtesy of a better goal difference but they usually make life tough for Celtic who are looking to extend their lead at the top.
Scottish Premiership Betting at Marathonbet
Hearts vs Celtic Live Stats & Betting Odds
Hearts Preview – Are Hearts set to spring the surprise result of the season and give Daniel Stendl his first victory?
It took over a month but Hearts eventually filled their head coach vacancy with the appointment of Daniel Stendl. The German left Barnsley have done well to get that club promoted to the Championship but he has another big job on his hands here. Saturday’s 1-0 loss at home to St Johnstone ensures that the Tynecastle club come into Wednesday’s game second bottom, only ahead of Hamilton having conceded three fewer goals. It remains just two wins in 17 games for Hearts this season and for all intents and purposes they are very much involved in the relegation battle. It’s incredible to think that considering the resources they have at their disposal but that’s the reality they have to face up to.
Stendl has already stated that he is not happy with the squad and there’s likely to be an overhaul in the January transfer window. Until then, however, the German has to get the best out of what he has at his disposal. That’s easier said than done with players who are possibly not going to be here for much longer and are used to not winning games. The new coach will be hoping the occasion and visit of the champions is enough to spark his team into life.
Celtic Preview – Can Celtic move five points clear at the top of the table and heap more misery on hosts in the process?
Neil Lennon’s men have secured the first trophy of the season thanks to their somewhat fortunate victory over Rangers in the League Cup. Celtic have also reached the knockout stages of the Europa League and will face FC Copenhagen early next year. Between now and the end of the year, however, the attention is on the Premiership. A win in tomorrow’s game would see Celtic go five points clear, albeit having played a game more. They would then have three games remaining in 2019, finishing with a derby game against Rangers. Lennon is fully aware of the advantage his team can have going into the winter break. Win all four games and they would be a minimum of eight points clear.
Lennon will be hoping to have some key players back for this game. Ryan Christie and Mikey Johnston were both absent in the 2-0 win against Hibs at the weekend but have a chance of returning. Mohamed Elyounoussi is still some way off fitness, however. All three have shown their attacking threat at different points of the season and are vital to how the team play. Odsonne Edouard has also missed a few games of late and despite not being fully fit he scored and a created a goal on Sunday.
Key-Facts – Hearts vs Celtic
- It was a disappointing start for Daniel Stendl as his new team went down 1-0 at home to St Johnstone at the weekend
- Celtic maintained a two point gap at the top of the table courtesy of a win over Hibs and are looking for victory against the other Edinburgh club
- This was Neil Lennon’s first game in charge since returning to Celtic earlier this year, a match the champions won 2-1
Hearts vs Celtic Betting Advice
This fixture is usually one of the most difficult of the season for Celtic. The atmosphere generated by the Hearts supporters due to the rivalry often fuels the performance of the home team and Stendl will be looking for that here. It means the first goal is often so vital and both teams will be going all out to get that. Hearts are the second joint-lowest scorers in the league but have scored in five of their eight home matches. Celtic have scored four in their last two away games and this is a fixture that often brings goals with 17 of the last 19 meetings containing at least three goals. That includes 10 of the last 11 games played at Tynecastle.
It’s a game that Hearts will feel they can trouble the leaders in providing they get off to a good start. Keeping with tradition back that there will be at least three goals in it.
