The lowdown on Hearts – Underestimating them would be a mistake

The Celtic Star

·22 November 2024

The lowdown on Hearts – Underestimating them would be a mistake

Celtic are back, and tomorrow evening’s Scottish Premiership test against Hearts will be a tough one despite the Jambos poor start to the season…

Celtic v Hearts. Scottish Premiership 14/09/2024. Lawrence Shankland holds off Liam Scales during the match between at Celtic Park, on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/ PSI

On paper, the Hoops should be aiming to go to the capital and dismantle an out of form Hearts side who despite finishing a comfortable 3rd last campaign have plunged to second bottom in the table.

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Neil Critchley took over from Naismith

Although Neil Critchley’s men, formerly under the stewardship of Steven Naismith, have struggled to perform on the domestic scene, displaying defiant performances in the Europa Conference League has not been a problem for the Gorgie-club.

Currently in a respectable 12th spot after three matches in the UECL, one more point for Hearts from their remaining three games would be enough to solidify a top 24 spot with a chance of reaching the last 16 in knockout playoff round ties in February.

Celtic v Hearts,Scottish Premiership 14/09/2024. Daizen Maeda tackles Gerald Taylor during the match at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo MalcolmMackenzie PSI

Undoubtedly, the misfiring Lawrence Shankland has been a pivotal factor in Hearts’ spiralling downfall this season. The 29 year-old has netted only once during this campaign. It is a long way away from the 24 he racked up last season. From Player of the Year, to somewhat of an unreliable figurehead for the Tynecastle club, Shankland’s fall from grace has been sharp.

Hearts have only scored 14 goals from 13 games

Collectively, Hearts themselves have only scored 14 goals from 13 games in the league. Barring Ross County and Hibs who have slightly worse records, Critchley’s side’s major underlying issue is that they do not score enough goals.

Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership Reo Hatate during the match at Celtic Park on 14 September 2024. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI

Brendan Rodgers should know all too well about how challenging travelling to face Hearts can be. Celtic’s visit in March ended in disappointment as the hosts won 2-0 through Jorge Grant and a then in form Lawrence Shankland. Also, Adam Idah missed from the penalty spot whilst Yang was ridiculously sent-off by Don Robertson.

Celtic – 24 domestic matches unbeaten

Since that defeat, Celtic have gone 24 domestic matches unbeaten exemplifying consistent form in Scotland. In order to win the league title last season, Rodgers’ men post-Tynecastle had to go on a lengthy run and so they unearthed real quality. The Hearts result seemed to be a galvaniser.

Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon arriving at Celtic Park. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, 14 September 2024. Photo Robert Perry Shutterstock

However, underestimation of Hearts would be a callous mistake. With decent players at their exposal, and quite clearly a more competent manager than the last one they had, Hearts can pose a threat to the Hoops.

Notably, returning from international breaks has been a grind for Rodgers’ players. They weren’t at their best when they defeated Hearts 2-0 at Paradise when coming back from September’s break. Nor did Rodgers’ side show much composure returning from October’s internationals drawing 2-2 with Aberdeen.

Celtic should win, but the contest may not be a straightforward one. Three points is critical and would shape us up nicely for Wednesday’s mammoth clash with Belgian champions Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Conor Spence