A lot will be riding on the result of the upcoming game between Celtic and Hearts at Tynecastle Park. The Hoops currently find themselves trailing the table toppers by six points. So, it would be safe to say that they cannot afford another defeat at the hands of Derek McInnes' side, which would leave them nine points behind and potentially end the title race. That is easier said than done, though.
Hearts have had Celtic's number this season. They won 3-1 at Tynecastle Park when the two teams met in the league for the first time. That was followed by a 2-1 win at Parkhead in their second meeting. Rarely do teams do that in Scotland.
The good news for Celtic is that neither of those results came under the management of Martin O'Neill. The Northern Irishman has been perfect domestically over his two interim spells so far this season, and will look to keep that run going.
Amid all this, the officials have been announced for the upcoming game at Tynecastle Park. And there are a couple of names on there that Celtic fans might be a bit worried about.
Scottish FA make official Hearts vs Celtic announcement
As reported by the Scottish FA's official website, Steven McLean will be the referee for the game between Hearts and Celtic. He will be assisted by David McGeachie and Jonathan Bell. John Beaton will be on VAR duty, with Duncan Nicolson as his assistant.
One can only hope that the officials prove to be an afterthought when Celtic face Hearts at Tynecastle Park. The best officiated games are the ones in which you do not even notice them.
The best-case scenario for Celtic at the weekend would be a win against Hearts in their own backyard. The way things have turned out this season, that is a big ask. But O'Neill has delivered beyond expectations quite a few times already. Let's hope he pulls out another rabbit out of the hat come Sunday.