Key Highlights
- Celtic travel to Tynecastle for a crucial match against league leaders Hearts.
- Brendan Rodgers faces significant defensive reshuffles due to injuries.
- Youth players like Colby Donovan and Dane Murray are set to feature.
- The match is live on Sky Sports at 12pm, October 26, 2025.
Celtic’s Defensive Dilemma Heading into Tynecastle
With Celtic trailing league leaders Hearts by five points, the pressure to secure a result looms large as Brendan Rodgers’ side heads to Tynecastle for their midday clash on October 26, 2025. The match is crucial not only in the Scottish Premiership but also in maintaining Celtic’s European aspirations.
Defensive Concerns
The team faces a significant defensive challenge due to recent injuries. Cameron Carter-Vickers has been ruled out for up to five months with an Achilles injury, leaving a gaping hole in the backline. Alistair Johnston, who had returned from a long layoff, was forced off again after just half an hour against Sturm Graz, adding to Rodgers’ defensive worries.
Young Defenders Step Up
In light of these injuries, Rodgers is considering a return to his academy ranks. Colby Donovan, who has already made eight first-team appearances this season, is set to start again after coming on for AJ in the previous match. The young defender will face his most significant test yet against Hearts.
Additionally, Dane Murray, a 22-year-old centre back making his fourth appearance across all competitions, could feature. Murray has shown maturity beyond his years when called upon but will need to prove himself under pressure this afternoon.
Manager’s Dilemma
The wildcard option for Rodgers is Manchester City loanee Jamhai Simpson-Pusey. While the team lacks depth in defense, throwing him into such a high-stakes match could be a bold move. Throwing in both Austin Trusty and Liam Scales might disrupt the balance of the backline due to their natural left-footedness.
With these tactical dilemmas, Rodgers is under immense pressure to find the right combination that can secure Celtic’s result at Tynecastle. The match could be one of the most testing afternoons for the team this season, especially with a patched-up backline and inexperienced players set to feature prominently.
Hearts Eyeing Opportunity
For Hearts, momentum, confidence, and a hostile crowd are working in their favor. The league leaders will be ready to capitalize on any weakness they find in the Celtic defense. While Hearts have been performing well recently, the challenge for them is to convert that into victory against a weakened Celtic side.
Live Match Details
The match kicks off at 12pm on October 26, 2025, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The stakes are high as both teams aim for different objectives: Celtic to close the gap at the top, while Hearts look to maintain their strong form.
