Celtic Predicted XI vs Hearts: One big return to starting XI

Defence, Midfield and Attack

Anthony Ralston

At the start of the campaign, not many would have predicted Ralston to become a regular starter in the Celtic first team but that is exactly what has happened. The right-back has been impressive to say the least and it is hard to see him being dropped anytime soon.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Celtic have got it right when it comes to their loan deals this time around. Carter-Vickers has been a regular in the starting XI ever since he arrived in the summer.

Stephen Welsh

With Carl Starfelt still out of action, Welsh would be expected to retain his place in the team.

Josip Juranovic

Juranovic was not known as a left-back before joining Celtic but that is where he has featured regularly in Ange Postecoglou’s team and expect that to continue against Hearts.

Nir Bitton

Fortunately, Bitton did not suffer a long-term injury against Bayer Leverkusen and is already back available. And having missed just one game, it would not be a surprise if he is back in the thick of things from the start.

Callum McGregor

The Celtic captain has been a consistent performer as everyone would have expected and both scored and assisted in the recent game against Aberdeen.

David Turnbull

Turnbull is expected to complete the midfield trio in Postecoglou’s side against Hearts.

James Forrest

Liel Abada started the game against Aberdeen but was not able to make his mark, as has been the case quite a few times recently. Thus, do not be surprised to see Forrest in the starting XI this time around.

Jota

Jota has been Celtic’s standout performer in recent weeks and it is hard to see anyone else starting in his place on current form.

Kyogo

Just like Jota, Kyogo is very integral to Celtic’s team right now and one would expect him to keep playing up front.