Celtic Women travel to Edinburgh to take on Hearts in the Women's Scottish Cup this weekend. To get to this point in the competition, Celtic beat out Hibernian and Dunfermline. Now, they'll be in for a tough test against Eva Olid's side.
Hearts currently sit second in the league, above Celtic, but we know league positions don't define how a side will perform in cup competitions. They have scored 62 goals this season in the league, compared to Celtic's 48.
The last time the sides met was this season, where Celtic ran out 2-1 victors. Morgan Cross and Natalie Ross provided the goals that day, with Georgia Timms pulling one back for the Jambos in the closing stages.
Predicted Celtic XI for Hearts away
Goalkeeper Lisa Rodgers will start for this tie. Despite having one or two mistakes this season, the goalkeeper has been in good form and is a reliable option between the sticks.
Kelly Clark and Claire Walsh will occupy the centre-back positions. The joint captains are undroppable and have been absolutely class so far this campaign.
Emma Lawton could return for this one as we confirmed she is likely to be match fit, but it is likely she will be replaced by Maddi Wilde, who performed fantastically on her debut after Lawton was forced off. Expect Lawton to be in the squad, but we'd tip Wilde to start.
In the other fullback position, Hannah Luke could be given a start. She didn't start against Glasgow City, but the cup could be the perfect opportunity for her.
In the midfield, Lisa Robertson will start against her former side. Momo Nakao could be rested for this one, with Grant Scott having the perfect opportunity to give Evie Rabjohn her first start for the club.
Amy Gallacher will take up the central attacking role, with Maria McAneny and Morgan Cross on the wings. McAneny and Cross have both been brilliant this campaign, and we see them both as undroppable.
Up front, Poppy Pritchard failed to score against City but could still start this one. However, Saoirse Noonan could be given the opportunity after not coming on at the Peasy. We'd say it is likely we'll see the striker this time out.
Rodgers (GK)
Wilde (RB), Clark (CB), Walsh (CB), Luke (LB)
Robertson (CM), Rabjohn (CM)
Cross (RW), Gallacher (CAM), McAneny (LW)
Noonan (ST)
How could the match go?
With a squad switch on the cards considering this is a cup fixture, there should still be a good chance of a Celtic victory. With the Hoops having two victories in their last two meetings, Scott could continue that record at Oriam this time out. With that being said, the hosts have a lot of good players, and them failing to score is unlikely.
So, with that being said, our prediction is Hearts 1 - 2 Celtic.
