Celtic vs Hearts Prediction: Celtic faces their first big test at home

The current Scottish champions, Celtic, will be defending their championship at home against Hearts on Saturday. Scoring ten goals in their first three games, Ange Postecoglou's Hoops have shown all the swash and buckle they showed at the end of last season. Since their season opener against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian, Hearts have gone 2-1-1, scoring seven goals. Everything you want to know about meeting these two creative minds is here.

Celtic defeated Kilmarnock 5-0 last weekend, and they'll be looking to keep their top spot against Hearts on Matchday 4. Even though the Hoops have gotten off to a great start in their championship defense, the Rangers are on their heels. Since Yosuke Ideguchi of Japan can't play due to a leg injury, Kyogo Furuhashi of Japan should keep leading the line for the defending champs. The home team is missing Reo Hatate, who is also not playing. In their most recent game, Celtic held 73% of the ball and had 20 shots, 11 on goal. Kyoto Furuhashi (7 minutes), Jota (35 minutes), Moritz Jenz (45 minutes), Carl Starfelt (76 minutes), and Giorgos Giakoumakis (82 minutes) scored for Celtic. Kilmarnock's opposition had 12 shots, 3 of which were on target. Recent events have proven that the Celtics' defense deserves great awe and admiration. The celtic have been solid defensively, allowing only three goals in their last six games. Celtic come into this game undefeated at home in their past 26 league games and have not lost in the league to Hearts in their last three meetings.

The last time out, Hearts defeated Dundee United 4-1 in the Premiership. Hearts possessed 52 percent of the ball and 13 shots (12 on goal) in that game. Goals were scored by Lawrence Shankland (1 minute), Barrie McKay (48 minutes), Jorge Grant (62 minutes), and Josh Ginnelly (95 minutes) for Hearts. On the other hand, Dundee United had ten shots, 3 of which were on target. For Dundee United, the winning goal was scored by Steven Fletcher in the 71st minute. The statistics speak for themselves; in Hearts' last six matches, they've allowed opponents to score ten times. The hearts have not fared well defensively. Although, whether or not that pattern will hold in this match is still up in the air. Looking at their prior results, we can see that Hearts have not won on the road against Celtic in the league in 25 attempts. After losing their last three league matches away from home, you can only imagine how relieved they will be to obtain an away win finally. Beni Baningime is the only player who won't be available for the visitors.

Last season in the Scottish Premiership, Hearts was the Old Firm's closest competitor, although Celtic still ended 25 points ahead of the Gorgie Boys. The improvement Celtic have shown in their set-piece effectiveness is "another bow in our armory to damage teams," as Postecoglou put it. The champions from the previous year were good enough to sweep their four meetings with the team from the capital. This weekend might extend Hearts' 10-year quest for a victory over Celtic in Glasgow. Given the Jam Tarts' attacking prowess, the over 2.5 goals betting option should be explored as they look to build on a spectacular 4-1 triumph over Dundee United. The last time these two teams played, the Hoops won 4-1 at Celtic Park. Robbie Nelson, the visitor's head coach, is not anticipated to make any lineup changes from the team that started last weekend's game against the Terrors.