League leaders Hearts welcome reigning champions Celtic this weekend as the two sides meet in a crucial Scottish Premiership clash at Tynecastle on Sunday (kick-off: 3pm).
Derek McInnes’ side are currently six points ahead of both Celtic and Rangers heading into the game, and know that a third successive victory over Martin O’Neill’s team will open up a sizeable gap at the top of the table that will be difficult for the Hoops to recover from.
However, Celtic will feel confident heading into the clash having gone four games unbeaten since the return of O’Neill as manager earlier this month. Meanwhile, their hosts have been hit by the news that several key players are set for lengthy spells on the sidelines.
The Gorgie outfit have added former academy product Marc Leonard to the squad this week, with the 24-year-old agreeing to join on loan from Birmingham City. A significant boost to their options in the centre of the park ahead of the game, the midfield injury issues has started to bite them hard in recent weeks.
Ahead of the game at Tynecastle, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
1. Beni Baningime - Hearts - SUSPENSION
The midfielder misses the title clash with Celtic after being shown a red card against St Mirren. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
2. Kelechi Iheanacho - Celtic - OUT
The striker has had his season besieged by hamstring problems. The ex-Manchester City player has been out since December with a reoccurrence of the problem, and is expected to be out until early next month. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
3. Stephen Kingsley - Hearts - OUT
The experience defender misses the vital clash against Celtic with a groin problem, and isn't expected to return until February. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
4. Alistair Johnston - Celtic - OUT
The Canadian defender was forced to go undergo surgery after re-injuring his hamstring in October against Sturm Graz. He isn't scheduled to return until early-March according to reports. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group