Celtic return home this weekend, as they face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon at Celtic Park.

Following their nervy 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park last Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ side take on Steven Naismith’s high-flying team, who are just one point from securing third place in the league for a second consecutive season. The Jambos have had Celtic’s number this season, beating them twice in three encounters, the aggregate score being 5-4 in favour of the Edinburgh outfit. Their last outing – a 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock – further solidified their place in the league table, with Naismith looking to make it three wins in four this campaign versus the champions.

A massive game lies in wait for both sides, which could have huge ramifications for where the destination of the title will be located come the end of the season. With all of that being said, who will start for Celtic against Hearts? The Celtic Way’s Ryan McGinlay and Tony Haggerty each have their say…

Ryan McGinlay

What a massive game this promises to be.

Never mind the small matter of a Glasgow Derby, the rivalry between Celtic and Hearts this season has been one for the books, and one that the home side could – and hopefully should – even out on Saturday. I’m not sure if the word ‘revenge’ will be uttered by Rodgers, but the two previous results against Celtic’s opponents must sting everyone involved with the club. Still, professionalism must remain, and the task at hand must be completed.

Let’s get into the predicted team, shall we? Joe Hart will assume his usual position as the side’s number one, with this being his third-last league game at Celtic Park. A clean sheet and a quiet afternoon would be exactly what the doctor ordered for the veteran goalkeeper. Elsewhere at the back, it will be the two usual full-backs, as Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston will be deployed at left and right-back respectively. Despite my clamouring for Maik Nawrocki, it will be Liam Scales who will partner Cameron Carter-Vickers in the middle of defence, as he will look to celebrate his new four-year contract with a good performance. This will be the defence – barring any injuries – that Rodgers will stick with from now until the end of the season, though you would think reinforcements will be on their way in the summer.

In the midfield, the captain will start, as Callum McGregor continues his very public return to match fitness in the number six role. Again, Tomoki Iwata can feel aggrieved that he isn’t starting, though I cannot see the skipper getting dropped at this moment in time. Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley will make up the rest of the midfield, as the engine room will continue to have a dynamic look to it. All three middle-men have to have good games if Celtic are to win this game comfortably, which will be their aim. Don’t be surprised if one or two get on the scoresheet on Saturday afternoon.

In the wide areas, James Forrest will get his second consecutive start on the left wing, despite a return to training for Daizen Maeda. On the other side, Nicolas Kuhn will retain his place, though he will need to show more if he is to be a major player, both in the run-in and beyond. Up front, Kyogo will lead the line as usual. Having not scored since St Mirren at home, he will be looking to grab yet another big goal this season. You would not bet against him to do so, though Adam Idah will be waiting in the wings if he fails to convert.

Celtic to win, as they will turn on the style ahead of a huge Glasgow Derby next week. They know what they must do.

Ryan’s team: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Kuhn, Kyogo, Forrest

Tony Haggerty

The equation is a simple one for Rodgers and his men. Win the football match.

Celtic don't need to be motivated by any thoughts of revenge against Naismith's side. Two league defeats to the Jambos already this season should be enough to focus the mind sharply on the job at hand. Victory in this one would see Celtic take another significant stride towards a third straight Scottish Premiership title win. Being roared over the line by 60,000 supporters will also help as Celtic look to apply severe pressure on their title rivals by moving six points ahead in the title race for 24 hours at least.

You get the sense that this is the game that the manager, players and above all else the Celtic fans have been craving in the title run-in. With that in mind, it will be Hart in between the sticks and a back four of Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales and Taylor.

The same midfield question will remain over skipper McGregor's fitness but he will get the start ahead of Iwata for the visit of the capital club. The captain will be ably assisted by Hatate and PFA Scotland Player of the Year nominee O'Riley. The Japanese midfielder is still edging his way back to full fitness but there are increasing signs that he's ready to peak once more. The Danish international is beginning to show why he was installed as an early-season front-runner for the very award that he is now in the frame for. The duo's return to form could not have come along at a better time for the Northern Irishman.

Up front, the temptation will be to throw Daizen Maeda straight back into the action after his miraculous and speedy recovery from a hamstring strain. Maeda will get minutes but he will have to start this one against the Edinburgh men on the bench. Nicolas Kuhn and last weekend's matchwinner at Dens Park Forrest will be deployed on the right and left wings respectively. Forrest will be buoyed by his brace which took his tally to three in two outings for the champions.

They will be charged with the task of feeding the main striker Kyogo Furuhashi. The forward has drawn a blank in his last two appearances but it is during big games like this when he really comes alive. With on-loan attacker Norwich Idah - who will cost Celtic £5 million plus if they want to sign him permanently - breathing down Kyogo's neck for a starting berth the Japanese striker will be desperate to net his 17th goal of what has been a stop/start campaign for him. Write the 29-year-old off at your peril.

Kyogo to plunder at least another counter for the record books in a Celtic win.

Tony's team: Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O'Riley; Kuhn, Kyogo, Forrest.