Hearts return to Celtic Park on Sunday for the first time since May's dramatic final day, when they were minutes from being crowned Premiership champions before Celtic clinched their fifth successive title. Five months on, Martin O'Neill's side are under pressure after defeats to Rangers in the league and League Cup, an epic Champions League collapse against LASK, and a 4-1 Europa League loss to Benfica on Thursday.
Hearts finding form under Vrancken
Wouter Vrancken has rebuilt Hearts following Derek McInnes' departure to Rangers. Despite tough early European fixtures, including a clash with Benfica, the Tynecastle side sit third in the table and are the division's top scorers. Some believe they can mount another title challenge this term.
Record Sport writers' predictions
Ryan McDonald expects a goal fest, predicting Celtic 3 Hearts 2, with Kasper Hogh finally ending his goal drought. Scott Burns believes Hearts will take something against a Celtic team "that isn't a patch on last season," predicting 1-1. Andy Newport, noting Celtic have conceded almost 20 goals this season, expects another leaky display and predicts 2-2.
Ross Pilcher, pointing to the two top-scoring teams in the league, fancies Hearts to edge a frantic contest 3-2. Mark Pirie sees pressure continuing to rise on O'Neill following the Benfica humbling, predicting a 3-3 draw. Robbie Copeland, while noting Celtic's spotless league form aside from the Rangers defeat, believes they will drop points and predicts 2-2.
