Celtic vs Hearts Prediction and 4/1 Bet Builder – Premiership

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Match Info
  • Fixture: Celtic vs Hearts
  • Competition: Scottish Premiership
  • Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
  • Kick-off: 15:00 BST
  • Venue: Celtic Park
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Form and Team Stats

The Scottish Premiership title race goes down to the final day as Celtic welcome Hearts to Celtic Park in a huge showdown that could decide the destination of the trophy. Celtic know only a victory will be enough to secure a fifth consecutive league title, while Hearts need just a point to complete a remarkable campaign under Derek McInnes.

Celtic have transformed their season since Martin O’Neill returned for a second interim spell in January. Following a difficult period earlier in the campaign, the Bhoys have surged back into contention thanks to a superb run of form that has delivered six straight league victories heading into this clash. Their dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell in midweek, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Kelechi Iheanacho, kept the pressure firmly on Hearts and ensured the title race would go to the final weekend.

The hosts have looked far sharper in attack over recent weeks, scoring freely and playing with the intensity expected at Celtic Park. Daizen Maeda has been central to that improvement, with the Japanese forward producing a brilliant scoring run at exactly the right time. Celtic’s home atmosphere should also provide a major boost as they attempt to overturn the one-point gap at the summit.

Hearts, though, arrive with huge belief of their own. Derek McInnes has guided the Edinburgh side to one of the most impressive campaigns in recent Scottish football history, with the Jambos sitting on the brink of a first league title since 1960. They have lost only five league matches all season and travel to Glasgow unbeaten in seven matches, including five wins.

Importantly, Hearts have enjoyed this fixture throughout the season. They remain unbeaten in all three meetings against Celtic during the 2025/26 campaign, winning twice and drawing once. Their 2-1 victory at Celtic Park earlier in the season will give them confidence that they can frustrate the champions once again.

With so much at stake, this promises to be a tense and emotionally charged contest. Celtic are likely to dominate possession and territory, while Hearts may look to stay compact and threaten through transitions and set pieces.

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Head-to-Head History
  • Hearts are unbeaten in all three meetings with Celtic this season.
  • Hearts won 2-1 in their last visit to Celtic Park.
  • Celtic have won only one of the last four meetings between the sides.
  • The reverse fixture earlier this season ended 2-2 at Tynecastle.
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Predicted Lineups

Celtic Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels; Hyun-Jun, Nygren, Tounekti; Maeda

Hearts Predicted XI (4-4-2)

Schwolow; Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne; Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Shankland, Braga

Team News

Celtic continue to deal with several injury concerns ahead of the title decider. Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo, Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are among the confirmed absentees, while Adam Montgomery and Callum Osmand also remain sidelined.

Despite those setbacks, the hosts are expected to keep faith with the side that defeated Motherwell in midweek. Daizen Maeda leads the line after scoring seven goals across his last five appearances, while Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti provide support in attacking areas.

Hearts are also missing several players, including Craig Gordon, Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard. However, Derek McInnes could name an unchanged side following the convincing 3-0 victory over Falkirk. Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga are expected to continue together in attack.

Bet Builder

Both Teams To Score – Yes

Celtic must attack from the start due to the title situation, while Hearts have consistently shown they can trouble them in transition. All three meetings this season saw both sides create chances, and the pressure of the occasion could lead to an open contest.

Benjamin Nygren – 1+ Shot on Target

Nygren continues to operate in advanced areas behind the striker and should see plenty of the ball as Celtic dominate possession. His willingness to shoot from range makes him a strong option to test the goalkeeper.

Daizen Maeda – 1+ Shot on Target

Maeda enters this match in outstanding form after seven goals in five appearances. With Celtic expected to play on the front foot throughout, the Japanese forward should get opportunities inside the box.

Claudio Braga – 1+ Shot on Target

Braga’s movement on the counterattack gives Hearts a direct outlet against Celtic’s high defensive line. He remains one of their biggest attacking threats and should get at least one clear effort during transitions.

Lawrence Shankland – 1+ Shot on Target

Shankland’s experience and ability to shoot early make him a constant danger. Hearts are likely to look for him quickly when breaking forward, particularly from set-piece situations and second balls.

Harry Milne – 1+ Fouls

Milne is expected to face constant pressure down his side from Celtic’s wide attackers and overlapping full-backs. Defensive duels and recovery situations increase the likelihood of committing at least one foul.

Liam Scales – 1+ Fouls

Scales could be forced into physical battles with Shankland and Braga, especially if Hearts target direct balls into attacking areas. The intensity of the match should also raise the foul count overall.

Prediction

Celtic will push relentlessly with the title on the line, but Hearts have shown repeatedly this season that they can compete with the Glasgow side. The visitors are organised, resilient and capable of frustrating opponents over long periods.

Prediction: Celtic 1-1 Hearts

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Tactical Match Dynamics

Celtic are expected to control possession and play aggressively from the opening whistle given that only a win will do. Their full-backs should push high, particularly Kieran Tierney, while Callum McGregor will dictate the tempo in midfield.

Hearts are likely to remain compact in a disciplined 4-4-2 structure and rely on quick transitions through Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga. Their defensive organisation has been one of the best in the division this season, and they will attempt to frustrate Celtic before exploiting spaces left behind when the hosts commit bodies forward.

Set pieces could also play a decisive role, particularly with the physical presence Hearts possess at both ends of the pitch.

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