da marjack bet： Celtic’s Scottish Premiership season could effectively end at the place where it all began for Brendan Rodgers, Tynecastle. The Hoops travel there on Sunday knowing a win guarantees them the league title.
da casino： It’s been a long road since that opening day of the season against Hearts, when a late Scott Sinclair effort gave them a 2-1 win that would spark an unbeaten domestic campaign up to this point. It’s a remarkable record and a testament to the changes Rodgers has made at the club since arriving.
For Hearts this is a chance to prove to their fans they are showing progress under Ian Cathro, with results decidedly mixed since he arrived to take over from the departing Robbie Neilson.
The Jam Tarts’ fans will be desperate not to concede a title on their own turf with no love lost between the two sets of supporters. A celebratory day for the away support would sicken them.
It’s all set to be a cracker of an occasion regardless.
This is Celtic’s how-to-guide to ensure there are no slip-ups on Sunday…
The big decision: No place for Bitton
Nir Bitton was hooked at half-time in the derby against Rangers at Celtic Park recently, ostensibly because he was injured but there are more than a few suspicions it more tactical than Brendan Rodgers would like to admit.
It was another game that the Israeli midfielder failed to show up in, clearly not up for the fight that’s involved in the middle of the park in big Scottish games.
Matches at Tynecastle are always a battle and Sunday will be no different so Bitton should be sitting out this one again at the expense of Callum McGregor or Liam Henderson. Both of those players will understand the occasion better and what’s required from them.
Bitton can be a classy player on his day but the Hoops can’t risk being out-muscled in what will be a combative game.
The key man: Scott Sinclair
Scott Sinclair has scored 18 goals this season in all competitions, a fantastic return from a winger, especially in his debut season. There have been times during the campaign that he looks a level above most players in Scotland.
He hasn’t scored for two matches and he’s only stretched that goalless streak to three matches twice since he arrived in Scotland. His performances haven’t been up to the standard he has set in recent games but you’d be foolish not to back him to impact this one.
He scored against Hearts on the opening day of the league season, also scoring twice in the 4-0 drubbing of the Jam Tarts at Celtic Park in January.
Always one to relish the big matches this season, we’re expecting him to be the key man in finally delivering the silverware supporters crave.
The big threat: Jamie Walker
Celtic can’t discount Hearts of course and in Jamie Walker will be going up against a formidable opponent that can win games for his side. With 15 goals in all competitions, like Sinclair he’s been a very effective presence coming in off the wing this season.
Still just 23, he’s tipped for big things in the game and this season has undoubtedly been his best year. He netted against Celtic on the opening day, from the penalty spot, but also has some big goals for the Jambos this season including the above strike against Rangers.
If Ian Cathro’s side are to get anything out of the game, it’ll be through Walker. This is arguably the most high profile match left in Hearts’ season so he’ll want to put on a show and prove he is one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership.
The secret weapon: Tom Rogic
Tom Rogic has return to full training for the Hoops and although is very unlikely to start the match, could be a secret weapon from the bench if Celtic are struggling to get themselves ahead.
He’s been out of action since December, a frustrating few months for the Australian after such a positive opening to the campaign. He scored 10 goals in that first half of the season and is a massive threat to any side in Scotland.
He’s also a match winner and has a knack of popping up with goals at the most important of times.
While not fully match fit, having him on the bench would be a real positive for Rodgers, knowing that he can call upon him to change the way a match is going.