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:
5. Reo Hatate - Celtic - AVAILABLE
The Japanese midfielder was sent off in the 2-2 draw with Bologna in midweek, but won't be suspended for the game away to Hearts with his suspension only applying to Europa League games. | Getty Images Photo: SNS Group
6. Oisin McEntee - Hearts - OUT
He's been one of Hearts' key performers this season, and scored the winner the last time the two sides met, but he'll not be available for this weekend's game at Tynecastle due to a groin problem. Scheduled to return in February, as per reports. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Cameron Carter-Vickers - Celtic - OUT
Expected to miss the rest of the season with an Achilles problem that he picked up against Sturm Graz earlier in the season. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Lawrence Shankland - Hearts - OUT
In a bitter blow to Hearts, their talismanic skipper is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a hamstring injury. Won't be seen again until March at the earliest. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group