Hearts boss Craig Levein has outlined what he expects his Jambos side to encounter this weekend when they travel to Parkhead to face Celtic.
Levein’s side are coming into the match on a high after victory over Motherwell in the League Cup. They have yet to claim their first league win of the season though after a defeat to Aberdeen and a draw against Ross County.
They’re playing a Celtic side in need of a confidence boost. They have been dumped out the Champions League and recently needed extra time to progress past Championship side Dunfermline in the League Cup.
Jambos boss Levein insists that he still expects an enormous task against the Hoops.
He told the Scottish Sun: “They are a really good side. Obviously whenever there’s a managerial change, things change. I’m sure Lenny is still finding his way and I’m sure there are still more players to come in.
“Everybody makes judgements based on each match that passes. I look at it and they have won two league games, scored 12 goals. Listen, if I’m ever going to be in a crisis, please let it be that one.
“They have started the season, particularly in the league, in really good form. And I expect the Celtic of the two league games to turn up in this game on Sunday.”
Levein and Hearts will have an uphill task against Celtic
Hearts’ Parkhead record doesn’t make for pretty reading. They have lost every game at Celtic Park since 2015, and haven’t recorded a victory since 2007.
Whilst they have struggled in recent games, Celtic will be a big task for the Jambos. If they manage to take anything from this game, it can only be considered a bonus.
The Hoops have thumped St Johnstone 7-0 and Motherwell 5-2 in the league. They are in relentless form in the league and will take some stopping come Sunday.
Hearts are playing them at a good time. With confidence low in the Celtic camp after a rough few weeks, things are looking a bit brighter at Tynecastle after an encouraging League Cup display. They need to turn in an even better showing against the Hoops to have any chance of collecting some points.
Levein’s side will be underdogs on Sunday and will be under no illusions that this game will be anything but an uphill battle.