Hearts are outstanding value at 9/2 to use their home advantage to cause a surprise upset against Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday. Although the top two in the SPL are likely to surge clear from the rest of the pack this season, any side travelling to Hearts will find it tough to bring away anything from their ground.
Paulo Sergio’s side have won four of their five home league fixtures this season, conceding just one goal in the process. They have been difficult to break down, and have tasted defeat just once on home soil.
Despite a disappointing run of form away from home, Hearts are fourth in the SPL table and will relish the challenge of taking on Celtic in front of their home crowd. If they could improve on their results on the road, they could be a lot closer to the top two in the league.
Sergio does have the disappointment of not being able to select Andrew Driver into his squad on Sunday, he is struggling with the knee injury that has kept him out of action for large parts of this year. Whilst Marian Kello and Kevin Kyle are still are still on the sidelines. Otherwise it is a full strength side for the Portuguese man.
The visitors did have the distraction of a tough Europa League tie against Udinese on Thursday evening. As we have seen in the past, side’s often struggle from a European hangover when they return to domestic action the following weekend. They have just had two days to recover and prepare for this tricky SPL clash.
Neil Lennon’s side were denied a valuable victory over the Italians at Celtic Park, but were tested really hard against a club who ran Arsenal close in their Champions League qualifying defeat to the Gunners.
Joe Ledley was a casualty from the draw with Udinese. He was taken off at half-time with a groin injury, and will be a big loss to the midfield of the Bhoys.
Celtic have shown vulnerability at many points this season, none more so than throwing away a 2-1 lead in the Old Firm clash with Rangers, in which they eventually lost 4-2.
The Hoops are already seven points behind their rivals Rangers in the league, and their season hasn’t gone to plan so far, after being eliminated from the Europa League, but for the reprieve after Sion fielded an ineligible player against them in their victory.
It is unlikely to be anything other than a tight game at Tynecastle on Sunday, but take Celtic to fire blanks. Hearts can judge edge the three points with a 1-0 victory that is priced at 11/1. The home side may have to be patient, and continue to defend as well as they have done at home this season. However, they are more than capable of doing this.
They are likely to frustrate Lennon’s team, and with the backing of their home crowd, can add more torment to Celtic’s season so far.
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