HEARTS head coach Derek McInnes has challenged his players to strike a definitive blow to Celtic’s title hopes this Sunday, as the league leaders look to extend their six-point advantage at the top of the Premiership.
The Jambos welcome the Hoops to Tynecastle Park for a blockbuster showdown, live on Sky Sports. Despite being the surprise pace-setters for much of the 2025/26 campaign, McInnes’ side face their toughest test yet as they navigate a mounting injury crisis that has robbed them of their talismanic captain.
Hearts’ Title Credentials Put to the Test
Hearts have already proven they have the measure of the Glasgow giants this season, having beaten Celtic both home and away. However, McInnes is refusing to look back as he prepares to face a revitalised Celtic side under the stewardship of Martin O’Neill.
“Sunday’s a different game, obviously, and Celtic under Martin are in a different place,” McInnes told Sky Sports News. “It’s another opportunity to try and strike a blow to a direct opponent who are in and around us in the league. Any time you can beat a team of Celtic’s quality, it gives you that confidence to go on.”
While Rangers remain the “form horse” of the winter months, Hearts’ resilience has kept them six points clear. A victory on Sunday would not only maintain that gap but potentially signal a permanent shift in the power dynamic of Scottish football.
The Shankland ‘Bodyblow’ and the Ugandan Solution
The biggest hurdle for the Jambos is the absence of Lawrence Shankland. The league’s top scorer has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a hamstring injury—a loss McInnes described as a “body blow” to the squad. Shankland joins Cammy Devlin and Stephen Kingsley on a crowded treatment table, while midfield engine Beni Baningime misses out through suspension.
However, the injury crisis has accelerated Hearts’ transfer plans. Ugandan international Rogers Mato, who was originally scheduled to arrive in the summer, is now being fast-tracked to Edinburgh. The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for FK Vardar, netting 12 goals in 13 games this season.
“He will be here in the window,” McInnes confirmed. “It’s whether we can get him in time for the weekend, which we’re working towards. It presents an opportunity for others to step up. It’s not all doom and gloom.”
A Clash of Eras: McInnes vs. O’Neill
The match also provides a fascinating touchline battle. While McInnes never managed against Martin O’Neill during the Irishman’s legendary first spell at Parkhead, he faced him numerous times as a player. With O’Neill now back in the Celtic dugout on an interim basis, the tactical battle between the two will be central to Sunday’s outcome.
Hearts fans—can the squad cope without Shankland for the big one, or is this where the title race takes a turn? Join the debate in the comments below!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
