The Tynecastle side will meet Ange Postecoglou’s cinch Premiership leaders for the second time in the space of three days when they visit Gorgie this weekend.
Robbie Neilson used the first encounter, a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park, to rest some players and didn’t bother risking others with more riding on Saturday’s contest as Hearts look to make it back to Hampden and get their hands on some silverware.
Josh Ginnelly was forced off during the match but Neilson says he’ll be fit for this one, while Stephen Kingsley, Robert Snodgrass and Alex Cochrane are expected to return to the squad. Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Humphrys are doubts.
This is the team we believe the Hearts boss will go with...
5. RWB – MICHAEL SMITH
The experienced Northern Irishman should come back in at right wing-back, despite a strong performance from Nathaniel Atkinson in midweek. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
6. MRC – CAMMY DEVLIN
His hard running and energy will be needed to disrupt the Celtic midfield three. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
7. MC – ORESTIS KIOMOURTZOGLOU
Played very well in midweek and in replacing Robert Snodgrass last weekend. The latter has been carrying an injury and his performances have dropped of late, so expect the German to remain in the team. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
8. MLC – JORGE GRANT
Barrie McKay might come back into the game but Hearts' midweek game was about disrupting Celtic's flow and Grant is a better defensive player than McKay. He's also been in good form of late. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group