Celtic prepare to face Heart of Midlothian at home on Sunday, aiming to recover from a significant midweek loss in Europe. The league match at Celtic Park begins at 3pm. This game follows European matches for both clubs.

They have 21 points from eight games, with seven wins and one loss. They were beaten 4-1 by Benfica in the UEFA Europa League last time out on Thursday 15 October. Camilo Duran netted for Celtic in that game. He is the team's top scorer this season with four goals in eight appearances. The side's scoring pattern this season shows more goals before halftime than after, and they have scored 16 goals while conceding only four in the league.

Recent form and context

Celtic's latest results have been inconsistent. A league victory preceded the heavy loss in Portugal. Their recent form across all competitions shows just one win and four losses from their last five matches. Before that, they lost three games in a row, with those defeats including a 1-0 loss to Rangers on Sunday 20 September and a 3-0 loss to Rangers on Sunday 13 September, though they did beat Motherwell 2-0 on Sunday 11 October. The team will want to find defensive solidity after letting in four goals last time.

Hearts come to Glasgow in third place. They drew at home in the Europa Conference League most recently. Their league results feature a big win and a draw. The Edinburgh club has been difficult to beat and will hope to exploit any aftereffects from Celtic's European game.

Expected lineups

Celtic are predicted to use a 4-2-3-1 shape. Probable starters include V. Sinisalo, Colby Donovan, D. Murray, A. Trusty, K. Tierney, C. McGregor, M. Baur, C. Durán, O. Sørensen, S. Tounekti and K. Høgh.

Hearts last fielded a 4-2-3-1 system. That lineup had Beau Reus, Christian Borchgrevink, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Jamie McCart, Harry Milne, Laurent Mendy, Oisin McEntee, Calvin Miller, Cláudio Braga, Josh McPake and James Wilson.

The match gives Celtic a quick opportunity to move on from a tough week. Leading the table, taking three points from this rival is the clear aim. The full standings illustrate how close the competition is. The game starts at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon.