Hearts will take on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, 25 January, in a match that could go a long way to determining the winner of this season's enthralling title race.
Coming into the match, Hearts lead Celtic by six points at the top of the league table and a win for the hosts here would make it very difficult for Celtic to come back.
As part of this week's round of Scottish Premiership betting tips, here is our Hearts vs Celtic prediction.
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Hearts vs Celtic prediction: The visitors to triumph
Key Stats
- Celtic have won three of their last four domestic away matches.
- Hearts have lost four of their last six matches against Celtic.
- More than two goals have been scored in five of the last six H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Hearts 1-2 Celtic
Martin O'Neill departed the club earlier this season just before a match against Hearts, so he will feel that this match will prove that they should never have got rid of him in the first place.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Too close to call
- HOME: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Hearts vs Celtic odds are around where you'd expect for a match between two title challengers at this stage of the season. Ladbrokes have given Hearts a 34.5% chance of victory, while Celtic have been given a 43.5% chance of claiming all three points.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Encouragement for both
The recent H2H record should offer hope and encouragement for both clubs. On one hand, Hearts have won the two previous clashes this season, while on the other hand, Celtic won all three last season.
Scotland Premiership 07/12/25
Celtic
Hearts
Scotland Premiership 26/10/25
Hearts
Celtic
Scotland Premiership 29/03/25
Celtic
Hearts
Scotland Premiership 23/11/24
Hearts
Celtic
Scotland Premiership 14/09/24
Celtic
Hearts
Hearts preview: Injuries to scupper their dreams?
Hearts are dealing with more than their fair share of injuries at present, and the news that Lawrence Shankland will be out for a couple of months with a hamstring injury is a bitter blow. Also in the treatment room and unavailable for this match are Cameron Devlin, Calem Nieuwenhof, Oisin McEntee, Ageu, Stephen Kingsley, Finlay Pollock and Beni Baningime.
Predicted lineup: Schwolow (GK), Steinwender, Halkett, Findlay, Milne, Spittal, Altena, Magnusson, Kyziridis, Braga, Kabore
Last five results
- Sunderland 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
- Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham
Celtic preview: Problems of their own
Celtic are also dealing with some injury problems, but their squad is better equipped to deal with these situations. On Sunday, O'Neill will be unable to call upon Jota, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum Osman, Alistair Johnston, Marcelo Saracchi and Kelechi Iheanacho..
Predicted lineup: Schmeichel (GK), Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels, Hyun-Jun, Hatate, Tounekti, Maeda
Last five results
- Bologna 2-2 Celtic
- Auchinleck Talbot 0-2 Celtic
- Falkirk 0-1 Celtic
- Celtic 4-0 Dundee Utd
- Celtic 1-3 Rangers
Player to watch: Claudio Braga
With Lawrence Shankland out for a couple of months, the onus is now on Claudio Braga to be Hearts' main source of goals at the top of the pitch. The fans love him and he has been a brilliant addition to the squad. Now it's time to find out if he is ready to be the club's main man.