Derek McInnes’ Hearts team stands proudly as the league leaders in the Scottish Premiership, showcasing an impressive unbeaten start to the season. After eight matches, they are five points clear at the top of the table with just two draws to mar their record. And speaking of hot teams—the Rising have won their last four games in a row! In fact, their solidity has been most impressive, as they’ve earned seven clean sheets during this great run.
Hearts’ path during this campaign has not always been smooth, as they were on the end of six goals in their first four league matches. However, they have since tightened their defense and are now preparing for what McInnes describes as their “toughest” challenge yet—facing Celtic, a team currently grappling with off-field protests and inconsistent performances.
Hearts’ Form and Strategy
Under McInnes’ guidance, the Tynecastle side have built up a fearsome reputation, especially with their attacking prowess. Yet they have demonstrated extraordinary flexibility and responsiveness. This is evidenced by their outstanding run of four consecutive playoff matches in which they never allowed a goal. This defensive resilience will be crucial as they prepare to meet Celtic, a team known for its historical dominance in Scottish football.
“I don’t think the players could be in a better place,” said McInnes in a late September press conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and momentum as they approach this pivotal clash against Celtic. The fixture presents a major opportunity for Hearts to add to their four-point advantage over their Edinburgh rivals and open up an eight-point gap.
Tony Bloom, the Bet365 millionaire, pumped £10 million for a 29 percent stake in Hearts. This boost has further invigorated the squad’s hopes of a strong season. Providing such financial backing creates a more stable environment with more resources, which plays a major part in their success on the pitch today.
Celtic’s Struggles and Potential
Celtic have endured a tempestuous beginning to the campaign. On-field activism against the board has stolen their thunder, having left them with a lack of consistency and identity on the pitch. They recently suffered a surprising defeat to Dundee at Dens Park, marking a significant upset that had not occurred in 37 years.
Celtic recently dropped points at home against Hibernian and Rangers earlier this season. This has cast serious doubt on their efficacy at a competitive level. They’re preparing for Saturday’s clash with Hearts. They must plan for a midweek Europa League tie on Thursday, which will disrupt how well their squad is primed for the league battle.
McInnes is acutely aware of Celtic’s potential to turn their fortunes around, stating, “I expect the same as I always expect when you play Celtic.” He admitted that although his team is ready for the battle to come, they need to stay on their toes.
A Critical Match for Both Teams
The upcoming match between Hearts and Celtic presents a crucial moment not only for Hearts but for Celtic as they seek to reclaim their form. At the end of the day, McInnes remains focused on his players’ development and improvement as all-encompassing elements. He continues, “Our battle is with ourselves,” highlighting that regardless of the result against Celtic, he’s always going to believe in his squad.
“I think, ultimately, we’ve got to expect Celtic to turn up and play well, and we’ve got to expect that for ourselves,” McInnes remarked. He fosters an empowering culture of accountability among his peers. Like you might expect from these two titans, they’re getting ready for what will surely become a classic battle.
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