Robbie Neilson makes big claim before Hearts face Celtic

Celtic have brought things back on track over the past couple of games, after a run in which they had won just two of seven matches and scored six goals during that period of time. Their hoodoo infront of goal has well and truly ended with Ange Postecoglou’s side scoring ten goals over the past two games, against Hibernian and Motherwell respectively.

They have a tough task coming up though, when they will travel to Tynecastle Stadium to take on Hearts.

This is a ground where the Hoops have had some issues and Hearts have proven to be a tough nut to crack at times as well. Many will remember that Celtic lost their first Premiership game under the management of Postecoglou there last season. It was the club’s first opening day defeat in 24 years.

Hearts manager, Robbie Neilson, believes that his side could use the home atmosphere at Tynecastle Stadium to their advantage against Celtic and have a good chance. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he said while speaking to Sky Sports:

"“It’s a huge game for us, it’s one we’re looking forward to. We watched them last night against Motherwell and they were outstanding at times. We know there’s real quality, not just within the first eleven, but the whole group. But we’re at Tynecastle, full house, we’ve had periods this season when we’ve played really well and we believe we can bring that to the game and have a really good chance.“The place will be absolutely rocking so we’re looking for a really good performance from the players, but also a really good atmosphere for the fans.“This is the first full week we’ve had to prepare for a game. We’ve managed to get a few guys back as well, which bolsters the squad a wee bit. It’s a great game to be involved in, there’ll be a great intensity to the game.“They have a lot of possession, in the wider areas, with the numbers eights breaking forward, we have to try and shut them off. But we also have to bring an attacking threat to the game. I expect them to be very expansive and we have to try and find areas to pick them off.”"

Neilson makes big claim before his Hearts side take on Celtic

It is safe to say that the game between Celtic and Hearts could go one of two ways. Either, it could prove to be a very tight affair between the two sides, with the Hoops having a tough time getting joy against their defence. On the other hand, it could be a one-sided contest in favour of the Bhoys.

It must be pointed out though that Hearts have not been in good form coming into this game. In fact, there is quiet a bit of pressure on Neilson who has had to see his side slip down the table to seventh in recent weeks and some rumblings have been there about a potential sack as well if things don’t improve quickly.

For Celtic, every game is a must win in domestic competitions like always. On the other hand, Hearts cannot really afford another defeat. It would be their fifth in six games.