Celtic have little time to recover from their dismal 4-1 Europa League defeat to Benfica, with Hearts set to travel to Parkhead on Sunday afternoon to face the reigning Premiership champions. A defeat could cost them the top-of-the-table spot if Rangers beat Dundee on Saturday night.

The Hoops scripted a comeback and eventually claimed the coveted crown when these two sides clashed in the decisive showdown for the silverware. However, the Jambos dominated all other meetings, both home and away, and their resurgence after a difficult start under new boss Wouter Vrancken could frustrate the Bhoys unless they revive their rhythm this weekend.

Viljami Sinisalo was below par on Thursday night, conceding 4 goals from 2.67 xGOT faced. The Finnish custodian must deliver on Sunday, with veteran Sam Johnstone waiting for opportunities, as he lost his place after a couple of starts before the international window.

Colby Donovan remains the preferred right-back amid Alistair Johnstone’s injury absence. Martin O’Neill prioritises a right-foot-left-foot combination in deep defence, which could prompt him to stick with Dane Murray, given Cameron Carter-Vickers’ fitness concerns. Liam Scales might make way for Auston Trusty, but the left-back role belongs to Kieran Tierney, despite having  Jordan Lotomba, Anthony Ralston, and Landon Emenalo as alternate fullback options.

Skipper Callum McGregor is irreplaceable, with no outright deep-lying playmaker available in the current Celtic squad. His presence at the base would allow Mika Baur to make down-the-middle runs and operate in the advanced areas of the pitch. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might feature from the bench to inject pace and power in the middle of the park.\

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 25: Harry Milne of Heart of Midlothian and Kieran Tierney of Celtic during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Park on January 25, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Benjamin Nygren is expected to reclaim his ‘number 10’ spot after losing it to Oliver Sorensen against Benfica. Sebastian Tounekti has not impressed enough from the left in the wake of Hyun-jun Yang’s hamstring strain. The Tunisian must be dropped for Callum Osmand, who was brought in at half-time and operated as a makeshift winger. Haissem Hassan should exhibit his flair and finesse from the right, and the likes of Jota and James Forrest could be deployed as ‘super subs’.

Camilo Duran is in red-hot form, and the Colombian must spearhead the attack, replacing Kasper Hogh. The Danish hitman has not justified his price tag since joining from FK Bodø/Glimt late in the summer window, and was taken off at the break after failing to threaten Anatoliy Trubin enough in the Benfica goal.