Celtic Predicted XI vs Hearts: Injuries force major changes

Defence, Midfield and Attack

Josip Juranovic

Despite Anthony Ralston’s impressive performances through the course of the first half of the season, it appears that Juranovic is ahead of him in the right-back pecking order and expect the Croatian international to be starting vs Hearts.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers has been Celtic’s best defender this season and will need to be at his best against Hearts.

Carl Starfelt

Starfelt’s form has blown hot and cold since arriving at Celtic. Hopefully he will be at the top of his game this time around though.

Greg Taylor

While questions have been asked about Taylor for years, it does look like he is the one that Ange Postecoglou trusts the most at left-back when it comes to the big games.

Nir Bitton

Bitton has been tremendously impressive in recent times and if he does get the start against Hearts, one would expect a good performance from him.

Reo Hatate

Hatate was nothing short of exceptional on his debut for the club against Hibernian. Hopefully he will be able to put in a repeat of that performance against Hearts. Celtic will need it.

Matt O’Riley

O’Riley might have arrived at Celtic just recently but with the availability problems that Celtic have at the moment, especially in the middle of the park, it looks like he could very well make his debut against Hearts.

Liel Abada

Abada was forced off the pitch against Alloa Athletic but it did not seem like a serious injury and hopefully, he will be back in action against Hearts.

Giorgos Giakoumakis

With Kyogo, Ajeti and Maeda all unavailable, one would expect the Greek striker to lead the line for Celtic against Hearts.

Jota

Jota has gone through his fair share of injury problems in recent times. He came on as a substitute in the previous couple of games and has looked sharp, and this might be the occasion to hand him a start.