The Scottish Premiership Title Will Be Decided When Celtic Host Hearts
Celtic Park | Scottish Premiership | Saturday May 16 | 12:30pm
Ahead of the hugely anticipated Scottish Premiership title decider, BetVictor News brings you the in-depth Celtic vs Hearts preview – including score prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Celtic vs Hearts prediction: Heartbreak for Hearts
- Bet on the Scottish Premiership with BetVictor
Celtic Vs Hearts Preview
After 37 weeks of action, it all boils down to the final 90 minutes of the season to determine where the Scottish Premiership title will end up. The Celtic vs Hearts odds strongly favour the Bhoys to succeed and wreck the Jambos dreams.
The events at Motherwell during the week have somewhat tarnished the build up to this game. In fact, the title would have essentially been Hearts’ but that penalty incident has put Martin O’Neill’s side back in the driving seat.
As it stands, the Scottish Premiership title odds list Celtic as the 8/15 favourites. Derek McInnes’ men – who have defied the Scottish Premiership betting odds for most of the season – are available at 11/8.
As is common knowledge throughout Scotland and beyond, the Jambos are one point clear going into Saturday’s showdown. Therefore, Celtic must win to land their fifth successive title. Failure to do so will mean Hearts will be crowned champions for the first time since 1959-60. And in doing so, would break the 41-year Old Firm monopoly.
Celtic Vs Hearts H2H Record
Of the 186 encounters across all competitions, the Celtic vs Hearts H2H record has been dominated by the Bhoys. They have won this fixture 117 times compared to the Jambos 37. In the 2025-26 season, Derek McInnes’ side have won two and drawn one from the three league clashes.
That did include a fine 2-1 win at Celtic Park in December which is something to consider when it comes to Scottish Premiership betting on BetVictor’s Celtic vs Hearts betting markets. Claudio Braga and Oisin McEntee scored the decisive goals.
Celtic vs Hearts H2H record:
- Celtic wins – 117
- Draws – 32
- Hearts wins – 37
Celtic Vs Hearts Team News
Eight players including Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are all missing for Celtic. Up top, Daizen Maeda is set to lead the line and will be supported by Yang Hyun-Jun, Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti.
As for Hearts, they also have a plethora of injuries to navigate. Craig Gordon, Oisin McEntee, Tomas Magnusson, Calem Nieuwenhof, Ageu, Finlay Pollock, Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard are all ruled out.
Celtic’s last six in all competitions
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Hearts’ last six in all competitions
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Celtic Vs Hearts Predicted Lineups
Celtic predicted lineup:
Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels; Hyun-Jun, Nygren, Tounekti; Maeda
Hearts predicted lineup:
Schwolow; Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne; Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Shankland, Braga
Celtic Vs Hearts TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Celtic vs Hearts is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports Football. Live streaming is available via the Sky Go app, Sky Sports app, Virgin TV Go or via a NOW sports membership. Coverage will begin at 11:30am ahead of a 12:30pm kick-off. Supporters can also tune in on BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio 5 Live.
*A valid TV license and Sky Sports subscription is required to watch live in the UK
Celtic Vs Hearts Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Celtic must win to land the title
- Hearts last won the league in 1959-60
- Aberdeen were the last team outside of the Old Firm to win the Scottish Premiership (1984-85)
Top Betting Angles for Celtic Vs Hearts
Over 2.5 goals: This fixture has produced over 2.5 goals in all three league meetings in 2025-26. Available at 1/2.
BTTS (Yes): Similar to the above, has come in three times this season. Online at 11/20.
Anytime goalscorers: Benjamin Nygren (23/20), Lawrence Shankland (13/8) and Daizen Maeda (6/4) all offer potential.
Celtic Vs Hearts Prediction
It’s fair to assume that the vast majority of European football fans will be tuning in with keen interest on Saturday afternoon. The scene is set for an enthralling encounter and the potential for history to be created gives the title decider an extra edge.
However, as brilliant as Hearts have been this season, we feel that Celtic will make home advantage count and snare the title from the clutches of the Jambos. Even though the Hoops haven’t beaten Derek McInnes side this campaign, it feels inevitable that this will be fourth time lucky.
Prediction: Celtic 2-1 Hearts (13/2)
If you intend to bet on Celtic vs Hearts then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 3pm May 15, 2026.
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