The Scottish Premiership title race will go down to the final day when Celtic host Hearts at a packed Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be one of the biggest matches in recent Scottish football history.
Celtic know only victory will be enough to secure a fifth consecutive league crown, while Hearts need just a draw to complete a historic title triumph and become the first club outside the Old Firm to win the Scottish Premiership since Aberdeen in 1984-85.
The Bhoys head into the decisive clash with momentum firmly on their side following an impressive resurgence under interim boss Martin O’Neill.
Since returning to the dugout earlier this year, O’Neill has transformed Celtic’s campaign after a difficult spell under Wilfried Nancy that threatened to derail their title ambitions.
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Celtic have won all of their last six league matches and showed tremendous fighting spirit during their dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell in midweek. Kelechi Iheanacho’s stoppage-time winner deep into the 99th minute ensured the title race would remain alive heading into the final weekend of the season.
The Hoops have looked sharp in the final third in recent weeks, pressing aggressively from the front and overwhelming opponents with quick passing combinations in advanced areas.
Daizen Maeda has been particularly outstanding, with the Japanese forward scoring seven goals in his last five appearances while constantly stretching defensive lines with his movement and pace.
Celtic will also draw confidence from playing at a sold-out Celtic Park, where the atmosphere is expected to be electric from kickoff as supporters attempt to roar their side towards another league triumph.
However, Hearts arrive in Glasgow determined to spoil the celebrations and complete one of the greatest achievements in the club’s modern history.
Derek McInnes has enjoyed a remarkable debut season in charge of the Jambos, guiding the Edinburgh side to 24 league victories while building one of the most organised and disciplined teams in the division.
Hearts are unbeaten in their last seven league matches and have already shown this season that they can compete with Celtic. McInnes’ men remain unbeaten against the Bhoys during the current campaign, recording a 3-1 victory and a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle before stunning Celtic Park with a 2-1 win earlier in the season.
The visitors have relied heavily on their defensive structure, midfield discipline and quick transitions in attack, with Lawrence Shankland expected to once again carry much of their attacking threat.
With the title hanging in the balance and emotions expected to run high, Saturday’s clash has all the ingredients of a classic Scottish Premiership finale.
What time does Celtic vs Hearts start?
Kick-off is at 2:30 PM (EAT) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
Celtic vs Hearts team news
Celtic continue to battle with several injury setbacks ahead of the title decider. Tomas Cvancara, Julian Araujo, Kasper Schmeichel, Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers are all ruled out, while Adam Montgomery and Callum Osmand also remain sidelined.
Martin O’Neill is expected to keep faith with the core of the side that defeated Motherwell in midweek. Daizen Maeda is set to spearhead the attack after his recent scoring run, while Yang Hyun-Jun, Benjamin Nygren and Sebastian Tounekti are likely to support him in advanced positions.
Captain Callum McGregor is expected to marshal the midfield alongside Arne Engels as Celtic look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo.
Hearts also have injury concerns heading into the final day. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon remains unavailable alongside Craig Halkett, Calem Nieuwenhof, Ageu and Finlay Pollock.
Despite those absences, Derek McInnes is unlikely to make major changes following the commanding 3-0 victory over Falkirk. Lawrence Shankland is expected to lead the line, while Blair Spittal and Kyziridis will provide support from wide areas.
The Jambos will once again depend on their compact defensive setup and disciplined midfield shape to frustrate Celtic in a high-pressure environment.
Predicted Lineups
Celtic possible starting XI: Sinisalo; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels; Hyun-Jun, Nygren, Tounekti; Maeda
Hearts possible starting XI: Schwolow; Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Milne; Kyziridis, Baningime, Devlin, Spittal; Shankland, Braga
Celtic vs Hearts head to head record previous meeting and current form
Hearts have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture during the 2025-26 campaign, remaining unbeaten in all three meetings against Celtic. The Jambos secured victories both at Tynecastle and Celtic Park while also earning a draw in Edinburgh.
Celtic, however, come into the clash in red-hot form after winning six consecutive league matches, scoring freely and showing strong character in crucial moments.
Hearts are also enjoying an excellent run, going seven matches unbeaten while displaying defensive resilience and composure under pressure.
Both teams enter the final day knowing that one moment could decide the destination of the Scottish Premiership trophy.
Celtic vs Hearts prediction
Celtic’s attacking intensity and home support will make them extremely dangerous, especially with Maeda in such outstanding form in the final third.
However, Hearts have consistently shown throughout the season that they can frustrate top sides with their defensive organisation and tactical discipline. McInnes’ side also carry confidence from their previous results against Celtic this season.
The pressure of the occasion could produce a tense and cagey affair, with Hearts likely to sit deep and look to hit on the counterattack whenever opportunities arise.