Hearts v Celtic: Team news; How to watch; Head-to-head; Talking point; What the bookies say

Hearts take on Celtic at Tynecastle Park this evening in the biggest match of bumper midweek of cinch Premiership action.

It is the second meeting between the sides in Gorgie this season with the first, on the opening weekend of the league campaign, producing a captivating affair with the Capital club edging out their Glasgow rivals 2-1 thanks to a late John Souttar goal.

Back then there were still restrictions on crowds with no away fans. Tonight’s encounter will be a close to a sell out, but with only around 1,000 visiting supporters.

It is a big match for both teams. Hearts are currently comfortable in third. Fourth and fifth face each other at Fir Park as Motherwell host Hibs and Aberdeen lost to St Mirren on Tuesday meaning there is an opportunity to put more distance between Robbie Neilson' s men and the chasing pack.

Hearts take on Celtic at Tynecastle Park. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

For Celtic, it is about keeping up the pressure on Rangers. Last week they were able to reduce the gap at the top from six to four points. A game at Tynecastle, however, presents a very tricky test.

Here’s the key match info you’ll need to tune in…

Where and when

Tynecastle Park, Wednesday, January 26. Kick-off 7.45pm

How to watch

The game is being broadcast by Sky Sports who hold exclusive rights of the Scottish Premiership action in the UK. The match is available on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage begins at 7pm.

Team news

Hearts are set to be boosted by the return of John Souttar and Ben Woodburn, while Beni Baningime will come into contention having been on the bench for the Scottish Cup fourth round win over Auchinleck Talbot. All three trained ahead of the match. Neilson will be without Taylor Moore, however.

Ange Postecoglou is set to be missing at least five first-team stars. Tom Rogic and Daizen Maeda are on international duty for Australia and Japan respectively. Kyogo Furuhashi and David Turnbull are missing through injury with the likelihood that Callum McGregor will also be absent after suffering a facial injury against Alloa Athletic. Liel Abada and Yosuke Ideguchi also picked up knocks. New signing Matt O’Riley could make his debut in midfield.

Possible line-ups

Hearts (4-3-3): Gordon; Smith, Souttar, Halkett, Kingsley; Devlin, Haring, Halliday; Atkinson, McKay, Boyce.

Celtic (4-3-3): Hart; Juranovic, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Taylor; Bitton, Hatate, McCarthy; Jota, Forrest, Giakoumakis.

Referee

John Beaton is the man in the middle.

Talking point

John Souttar. The Hearts centre-back has signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers who have already had a bid to sign him this month rejected by the Tynecastle Park club. He was booed during his appearance against St Johnstone last week then missed the Auchinleck cup tie due to injury.

Neilson has said he is available for selection once more and it will not only be interesting to see if he is picked to start the game but also the reception he receives from the Hearts fans with Celtic fans likely to deliver some pantomime booing.

Head-to-head

Hearts won 2-1 on the opening day of the league season when the teams last met at Tynecastle, Gary McKay-Steven and Souttar on target that day. But Celtic have been dominant in the history of this fixture, claiming 65 wins from the last 90 meetings between the sides. Hearts have managed 15 wins in that time, while 10 games have ended all square.

What the bookies say

Celtic are favourites, according to McBookie. They have the visitors at 4/6, Hearts at 4/1 the draw is priced at 3/1.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.