The Scottish Premiership delivers a compelling clash as Hearts, unbeaten and leading the table, welcome second-placed Celtic to Tynecastle Park. Hearts, with an impressive run of form, aim to strengthen their top spot, while Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic look to close the gap and reassert their title challenge.
A close look at the recent stats suggests a fascinating contest in terms of both tactics and players’ impact, positioning this match as a genuine six-pointer for the early title race.
Notably, Hearts’ forward Claudio Rafael Soares Braga has been decisive in recent victories, while Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor continues to be the metronome, influencing possession and tempo with elite distribution. In a game where small margins matter, the performance of both men could tip the balance.
The “hot stat” to watch: Hearts have conceded only 6 goals in their 8 Premiership fixtures this season, showcasing a defensive solidity which could be crucial against a Celtic side that, despite their firepower, has at times struggled for clinical edge on the road.
| 🏆 Tournament: | Scottish Premiership 2025/26 – Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh |
| 🗓️ Date: | 26 October 2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 14:00 CEST |
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Hearts vs Celtic prediction
Expect a game defined by high tactical intensity and disciplined structure. Hearts’ 4-3-3, built on quick transitions and compact defensive lines, meets a Celtic side known for up-tempo possession and heavy reliance on wide play via the 4-2-3-1.
Given Hearts’ remarkable defensive record and their unbeaten home streak, the value lies in a “Double Chance: Hearts or Draw” market, especially with Celtic’s recent inconsistencies (just 2 wins in their last 6). Furthermore, Hearts’ disciplined approach (only 4 yellow cards in the last 5) contrasts sharply with Celtic’s higher recent foul and card count, hinting at potential set-piece chances for the home side.
Expect midfield congestion, with both sides favouring controlled possession—Hearts averaging over 74% pass accuracy and keeping fouls to an average of just under 6 per match, while Celtic’s more aggressive pressing yields higher shot numbers but also exposes their back line.
Goals may come at a premium—Hearts’ solid defending against top-six rivals could blunt Celtic’s edge, pointing towards a low-scoring, hard-fought contest.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Asian Handicap +0.5 Hearts (Double Chance) |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 goals |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Hearts Recent Games:
Derek McInnes’ side is flying high, unbeaten this season and coming into this fixture off a commanding 3-0 win over Kilmarnock. The Jambos have averaged over two goals per match in their last five, conceding only once. Their game plan blends aggressive pressing with rapid, multi-channel attacks—evidenced by 50 total shots and 18 interceptions in their last five outings. Stand-out performers include Craig Halkett at the back (3 goals in 3 appearances), showing aerial dominance and set-piece threat, and forward Claudio Rafael Soares Braga, whose sharp movement was pivotal versus Falkirk and Kilmarnock.
Celtic Recent Games:
Celtic, by contrast, are in a phase of mixed form: 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses from their last six, with a slightly blunt attack compared to their standards. Their latest domestic outing, a 0-2 shock home loss to Dundee, was marked by inefficiency up front despite 94 shots taken across five games (by far the highest in the division). Discipline has been an issue, as shown by 9 yellow cards and 76 fouls over the last five matches. Callum McGregor has managed midfield tempo and possession (423 passes at 95%+ accuracy), but the side has not fully clicked, leaving Brendan Rodgers with tactical dilemmas to address before the trip to Edinburgh.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Hearts | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 9 |
| Total shots | 17 | 34 |
| Free kicks | 21 | 25 |
| Corner kicks | 9 | 19 |
| Total fouls | 28 | 35 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 81 | 89 |
| Interceptions | 26 | 36 |
| Offsides | 5 | 9 |
🚨Read our full Hearts vs Celtic stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celtic the favourite
- Moneyline Hearts 3.16–3.35 | Celtic 2.01–2.19
- Draw 3.45–3.79
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.93 | Under 2.5 1.78
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.75 | No 2.10
With Celtic priced as slight favourites due to squad depth and previous head-to-head dominance, bookmakers still reflect Hearts’ home advantage and run of form in reasonably tight odds. The range on Hearts (3.16–3.35) suggests significant value, especially for punters eyeing their defensive fortitude. The Under 2.5 goals market at 1.78 also stands out given both teams’ recent low-scoring trends. BTTS ‘No’ at 2.10 should appeal, as neither team has been prolific recently and Hearts’ back line has been almost impregnable at home.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

Hearts possible starting eleven
- GK: Alexander Schwolow
- DF: Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley, Stuart Findlay, Harry Milne
- MF: Beni Baningime, Cameron Devlin, Oisin McEntee
- FW: Claudio Rafael Soares Braga, Lawrence Shankland, Alexandros Kyziridis
McInnes will favour his tried-and-tested 4-3-3, with the in-form Schwolow between the sticks and Halkett, the in-form goal threat, leading the defensive line. In midfield, Baningime and Devlin offer balance and bite, allowing creative outlets like Kyziridis and Shankland to operate with freedom. Braga’s recent scoring form and Kyziridis’ assists make them key players to watch.
Celtic possible starting eleven
- GK: Kasper Schmeichel
- DF: Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Kieran Tierney
- MF: Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate
- FW: James Forrest, Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren
Brendan Rodgers is likely to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1, with Schmeichel’s experience key in goal. The defensive quartet balances physicality and mobility, while McGregor anchors midfield distribution. Nygren and Maeda provide attacking thrust alongside Forrest, with Hatate orchestrating from deeper positions. Carter-Vickers and Tierney’s partnership could be vital in keeping Hearts’ front line in check.
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Celtic. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
The numbers indicate a game balanced on a knife-edge. While Celtic’s squad depth and historical head-to-head advantages cannot be ignored, Hearts have built a fortress at Tynecastle this season and go into this test with rhythm, confidence, and a system that maximizes their strengths. My main pick: Hearts +0.5 (Asian Handicap/Double Chance) – the value and likelihood are simply too good to overlook, especially with Celtic showing defensive vulnerabilities and Hearts excelling in structure and efficiency. Expect a cagey first half, aggressive pressing, and for Hearts to take something from this contest.
