Derek McInnes has expressed that his team, Hearts, is prepared for their most formidable challenge of the season as they face the reigning champions, Celtic, on March 10, 2024. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, highlighting the significance of this fixture in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts currently sit five points clear at the top of the league after an impressive unbeaten start, with eight matches played. A victory against Celtic would not only solidify their position but could also extend their lead to eight points, giving their supporters hope of a title challenge. McInnes acknowledged the excitement surrounding the prospect of winning the top-flight title, the first for a team outside the Old Firm since 1985, but emphasized the need for caution.
“For the past few weeks, I’ve been asked about this game, even though we had previous matches to focus on,” McInnes remarked ahead of the encounter. “We feel ready for it. I think Celtic provide the biggest challenge for every team in Scotland. You know you’re going to have to perform to get a result, but we’re going into the game feeling good about ourselves.”
Hearts’ recent surge up the table follows a disappointing finish last season, where they ended up in the bottom six. The appointment of McInnes in May and significant investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom, who acquired a 29% stake in the club for around £10 million, marks a new chapter for the team. This partnership also involves collaboration with Jamestown Analytics, a data firm that has contributed to the success of Bloom’s other clubs.
To bolster the squad, McInnes signed 11 players during the summer transfer window, with newcomers such as Claudio Braga, Alex Kyziridis, and Stuart Findlay making immediate impacts, contributing a combined total of ten goals and five assists in the Premiership so far. Defensively, Hearts have also improved, managing to secure clean sheets in their last four matches after initially conceding six goals in the first four games.
“The players are in a good place,” McInnes stated. “Our attacking stats have been well-documented, but four clean sheets going into this game helps us as well. We’re enjoying playing at Tynecastle.”
While the atmosphere is electric, McInnes stressed that regardless of the outcome against Celtic, his confidence in the team’s performance remains high. “Win, lose, or draw, it won’t detract from how I feel about our team. I’m really pleased with how we’re performing and what the players are giving us,” he said.
Celtic’s recent form has been less than stellar, marked by a surprising defeat to Dundee and dropped points against both Hibernian and Rangers. Off the pitch, the club has faced protests regarding board decisions, adding to the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers and his players.
Despite their struggles, McInnes remains wary of Celtic’s capabilities. “I expect the same as I always expect when you play Celtic,” he noted. “Brendan’s teams always have high-quality players and are highly motivated. If they do get some bad results, that happens to the best of teams, but we expect a tough match regardless of their current form.”
As Hearts prepare for the clash, the anticipation builds. “I think this is the toughest challenge when you play Celtic,” McInnes added. “There are a lot of good players on show for both teams, and I feel we are ready. Tynecastle will be ready, and hopefully, we can do enough to win the game.”
With both teams poised for a critical match, fans can expect an intense showdown that could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
