Heart Of Midlothian vs Celtic Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one! Hearts are absolutely flying at the top of the table, and Celtic are coming to town looking a bit shaky.

Hearts have been absolutely sensational this season - 8 wins from 8 league games, scoring goals for fun and keeping it tight at the back. They've been battering teams left and right: 3-0 at Kilmarnock, 3-0 against Falkirk, and a classy 2-0 win at Rangers. At home, they're scoring 2.4 goals per game and only letting in 0.6. That's proper title-winning form, that is.

Celtic, on the other hand, have been struggling to find their rhythm. Only 3 wins in their last 10 games, and they're barely scoring a goal per game. They just got stuffed 2-0 by Dundee and couldn't break down Hibernian in a 0-0 draw. Away from home, they're averaging just 1.17 goals per game - hardly terrifying stuff, is it?

Now, I know what you're thinking - Celtic usually have Hearts' number, don't they? And you'd be right historically - 7 wins to 2 in their last 9 meetings. But form over history, mate! Hearts are playing like the best team in Scotland right now, and Celtic look like they've left their shooting boots at home.

The stats don't lie here. Hearts are keeping clean sheets in 60% of their games, while Celtic are failing to score in half their away matches. When you've got a team scoring 2.4 goals at home against one scoring 1.17 away, you know which way the wind's blowing.

Key Points:

• Hearts unbeaten in 8 league games, scoring 23 goals

• Celtic only 3 wins in last 10 games, struggling for goals

• Hearts scoring 2.4 goals per game at home

• Celtic averaging just 1.17 goals away from home

• Hearts have 60% clean sheet rate this season

• Celtic failed to score in 3 of last 10 games

The bookies have Celtic as favorites at 2.10, which seems a bit rich given their current form. Hearts at 3.30 looks like proper value to me. They're playing with confidence, scoring freely, and Celtic look there for the taking. Sometimes you've got to back the form horse, and Hearts are galloping right now.