The top two in the Premiership meet in the first of this weekend’s Betfred Cup semi-finals at Murrayfield on Sunday and it should be a keenly-fought contest.
The Jam Tarts have already beaten the Hoops in the Scottish Premiership this season and have surprised everyone by opening up a gap at the top of the table. It would be a big statement if they also knocked Brendan Rodgers’ team out of one of the season’s big cup competitions and they have had more than a week to prepare whereas the holders were playing, and losing, in Germany on Thursday. Could this be another occasion which suggests the monopoly of the Glasgow giants is about to be broken?
Celtic Form
Though Celtic have fallen a little short of their own very high standards so far this season, there is still plenty of time to reassert their dominance. However, the general 8/13 for the Bhoys to get back on track against an in-form team in Hearts looks very poor value. Well beaten in Leipzig on Thursday, Celtic will welcome back James Forrest into the fold but are still likely to be missing several key players. Captain Scott Brown will definitely be watching from the stands and neither top scorer Leigh Griffiths nor Austrian international midfielder Tom Rogic are likely to be risked. It’s true that Rodgers’ team have scored 10 goals in their last two Premiership matches but they are up against a better-organised side this weekend and will not find it easy.
Hearts Form
Hearts have only lost once so far this season, a 3-1 reverse against Rangers at Ibrox, and the decision to switch their semi-final to Murrayfield should boost the number of their fans inside the stadium. The Edinburgh side have won four of their last five in the league but it remains to be seen if they can cope long-term with serious injuries to striker Uche Ikpeazu and defender John Souttar. Scotland’s Steven Naismith continues in excellent form, however, and Craig Levein’s team have already kept eight clean sheets this season. They are in confident mood looking to reach a first League Cup Final since 2013.
Celtic v Hearts Head-to-Heads
Hearts have won only 12 of their 62 matches against Celtic dating back to 2004 with nine ending in draws. However, they have won the last two meetings between the sides played in Edinburgh, both to nil. There have been no draws between the teams since 2015.
Celtic v Hearts Current Best Odds
Celtic 8/13, Draw 3/1, Hearts 17/4 (Odds Correct at 11.00am October 26)
Celtic v Hearts Predictions
Both teams arrive with an almost identical recent record in the league. Celtic’s short odds are based more on reputation that fact, however. and Hearts are unlikely to be affected by the fear factor that often hampers the opposition in big games against the Glasgow side. Celtic’s injury problems and busy schedule make this a tough game to call. Hearts have problems as well but seem to have a good team spirit and confidence in their abilities. It would be no surprise if this first semi-final gave TV schedulers a few anxious moments as it could go all the way to extra time and even penalties. The draw is 3/1 with BetVictor, who are also among those offering best odds on a Hearts win and a correct score of 1-1 after 90 minutes. Under 2.5 Total Goals is Evens with several bookmakers.
