Hearts could give Celtic problems in Betfred Cup semi-final

Betfred Cup semi-final
BT Sport 1, 1.30pm Sunday

Hearts and Celtic will battle it out in front of Scottish football's biggest attendance in 29 years and the Jambos should be able to score before the game reaches it's latter stages.

The sides meet in front of a 67,000 sell-out crowd at Murrayfield and there could be plenty of scrums at the home of Scottish rugby.

Celtic have been hit with something of an injury crisis and will field a makeshift defence. They were also dispatched with ease by RB Leipzig on Thursday.

The Hoops have returned to decent form domestically, but they look far too short in the capital in what is sure to be a frenzied atmosphere.

Hearts froze at Ibrox earlier this month, but the Ladbrokes Premiership leaders won't make that mistake again and look a safe bet to net before the 71st minute.

Recommendation
Hearts to score before 71st minute
2pts 5-6 bet365

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Hearts
The Jambos are missing long-term injury victims Christophe Berra, John Souttar, Uche Ikpeazu and Jamie Brandon. Peter Haring faces a late fitness test. Craig Wighton is cup-tied.

Celtic
The Bhoys are missing the injured Kristoffer Ajer, Scott Brown, Nir Bitton and Mikey Johnston. Cristian Gamboa and Jozo Simunovic sustained injuries on Europa League duty, while Dedryck Boyata is suspended. Leigh Griffiths and Tom Rogic are also rated doubtful.

Key stat
Hearts have scored in 15 of their 16 games this season.

Read every day for no-nonsense previews and expert sports betting tips

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport