Hearts vs Celtic Prediction: Back the Bhoys to grind out a win at Tynecastle

The Scottish Premiership returns with a full six-game programme on Saturday as war rages at both ends of the table. Rangers host Dundee United in the pick of the 15:00 starts and you can read our in-depth preview and predictions on Betfred Insights.

On this page, we focus on a top-of-the-bill tussle and an intriguing Edinburgh vs Glasgow match-up as Hearts host Celtic at Tynecastle. You can follow all the action on Sky Sports from 19:45 as Brendan Rodgers’ side targets the three points needed to move closer to another Premiership title. Betfred’s Scottish football writer, Frank Monkhouse, offers his Hearts vs Celtic prediction below.

Hearts welcome Celtic as the Jambos aim to pull off an upset before a bumper audience. Tynecastle will be packed with thousands of fans while millions more follow the game live on television. The locals started the day second from bottom of the Premiership following a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox last time out. They have only Hibs below them in the pecking order, and new manager Neil Critchley knows he must turn things around. The former Queens Park Rangers boss won’t enjoy the luxury of time and patience in Scottish football.

Celtic enter round 12 of the Scottish Premiership season in great form. They sit on top of the table, ahead of nearest rivals Aberdeen on goal difference following 10 wins and a draw from their previous 11 games. They are also in the final of the Scottish League Cup next month and are holding their own in the Uefa Champions League, sitting 15th of 36 after four rounds of the revamped format. Confidence is sky-high in the away dressing room.

Team News

Hearts are still without Gerald Taylor, Calem Nieuwenhof and Yutaro Oda.

Football Odds

Celtic, meanwhile, are missing Odin Holm for the trip to Tynecastle.

Hearts vs Celtic Odds

*Please click on the link above to be taken to the main Hearts vs Celtic page on betfred.com (or app) for all the live betting prices on this match.

Despite boasting the home advantage and backing of a vocal support inside Tynecastle, Hearts enter Saturday evening’s game as the underdogs with most followers of Scottish football, respected pundits, and the Betfred traders. But that comes as no surprise, given the opposition and recent form of both teams. Celtic remain unbeaten, while Hearts have won only two of their 13 starts. Still fancy the locals? You can back Hearts at 13/2, or a 13.3% chance, with Betfred.

Celtic travel to the capital in high spirits. Things are going well for the club domestically and on the continent. Many key players in the squad also enjoyed a much-needed rest thanks to the international break and are now eager to pick up where they left off. Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2-0 at Rugby Park last time out and are 2/5 at Betfred to claim win number 11 of the season. That’s sure to be popular in weekend accumulators. The draw is 4/1.

Total Goals - Under 2.5 @ 11/8

With a competitive and tense night expected, our first pick in the live game from Tynecastle is the game to produce fewer than three goals. The stats back up our approach, and under 2.5 goals would’ve been a winning play in three of the last four meetings of the Jambos and Bhoys. That run includes a 2-0 win for Celtic in Glasgow earlier this season, achieved thanks to goals from Arne Engels and Luke McGowan.

Backing under 2.5 goals would've also returned a profit in each of Hearts’ last two games in all competitions. They lost 2-0 at home to Heidenheim in the Conference League before suffering that narrow defeat at Ibrox. The same bet would’ve also banked you a return in Celtic’s most recent test, scoring two goals past Killie without reply. Add under 2.5 goals in the capital to your weekend bets at a useful 11/8.

Correct Score - Hearts 0-2 Celtic @ 13/2

Looking for a bet at bigger odds to add real excitement to Saturday’s live game? We’ve got you covered. Followers of our Scottish football previews at Betfred Insights collected the profits from a 12/1 winning accumulator last time and we’ve landed a few correct scores on games involving Celtic already this term. We now have our sights set on more profit.

Back Hearts 0-2 Celtic in the correct score market and take confidence from the head-to-head stats. Interestingly, 2-0 was the final score when these teams last faced off and in three of their previous four meetings. With the home team struggling and the visitors flying, we’re happy to play for more of the same at a generous 13/2 with Betfred.

Frank Monkhouse covers Scottish Football for us here at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his work along with that of the rest of our Football Betting Tips desk on our main Football page...