Hearts set to face blustery Storm Dave conditions as ex-Jambos star looks to blow title rivals off course
Hearts players and fans are set for less than ideal conditions at Livingston.
Hearts are set to be met with a storm this Easter Sunday as warnings are put out across Scotland.
Yellow weather alerts have been issued in areas of the country for Easter weekend. Storm Dave will bring bouts of strong winds later in Saturday that roll over into the following morning, and that could cause some damage and travel disruption. Gusts may reach up to 60mph in certain areas of the country and 90mph winds are possible in locations that are more exposed.
Hibs are in action on Saturday at home to Kilmarnock in a 3pm kick-off as Danny Rohl's second-placed Rangers host Dundee Utd at the same time at Ibrox. Conditions for the 3pm matches on Saturday should avoid the worst of it but league leaders Hearts and Celtic don’t play until Easter Sunday.
What conditions face Hearts at Livingston?
They and a sold-out Hearts support make their short trip to West Lothian for a 2pm kick-off where 42mph gusts and rising could meet them. There is also a high chance of rain as the team get to take their next title step in wet and wild fashion. Celtic don’t kick off against Dundee at Dens Park until 4:30pm so should avoid the worst of the storm but it’s not ideal for fans making their way to games this weekend.
Former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley meanwhile will hope to blow Celtic’s bid for the title off course when his side host the team sitting third and five points off the Jambos. The Dundee boss has already got the better of Celtic at Dens Park this season and more dropped points for the defending champions, particularly if Hearts down Livi, could be costly for their ambitions. Celtic lost their last match at Dundee United.
Pressley said: “Of course you expect a reaction from Celtic because they’re a wounded animal after defeat in their last game. Our games against them this season have been very competitive so we have to make sure this one on Sunday is too.”
Steven Pressley on Dundee vs Celtic
“We expect a reaction from Celtic so will have to be ready for that. Obviously they have the pressure of the title race but we also have plenty to play for because we’re trying to make sure we retain our Premiership status for next season.”
“We still have work to do on that front so it’s an important game for both teams. Can we exploit any pressure Celtic are under? I hope so but the focus is on ourselves and the objectives we have.”
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