Celtic vs Hearts Prediction, Match Preview and Probable Lineups | May 16, 2026
On May 16, 2026, Celtic host Hearts in the final round of the Scottish Premiership Championship Group. Just one point separates the sides at the top of the table, with Hearts needing only a draw to secure the title, while Celtic must win to become champions. Let’s take a closer look at the potential outcome of this matchup.
Match Preview
Celtic come into this decisive clash in outstanding form. The hosts have won six consecutive Premiership matches and are unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions. Their recent run includes victories over Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell, with the team scoring 16 goals across the last six matches.
Goals have been a major trend in Celtic fixtures recently. Both teams scored in six of their last seven matches, while over 2.5 goals landed in five consecutive games. Celtic have also seen BTTS in seven of their last eight home fixtures.
Despite their excellent attacking numbers, defensive consistency remains a concern. Celtic conceded in each of their last five matches and managed only one clean sheet in their previous six league outings.
Hearts also arrive in strong form and remain unbeaten in their last seven matches, recording five wins and two draws. The visitors sit top of the table with 80 points from 37 games and are aiming to become the first champions since the 1959/60 season.
The visitors continue to produce strong attacking numbers. Hearts scored in 39 of their 43 matches this season and average 1.95 goals per game. Hearts scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches.
Away form has been less convincing recently, with Hearts winning only one of their last six away fixtures. However, both teams scored in four of those six matches.
Another important factor is the recent head-to-head trend. Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three league meetings this season, while both teams scored in four of the last five meetings overall. Over 2.5 goals also landed in five consecutive H2H clashes.
Possible Starting Lineups
- Celtic: Sinisalo, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, Engels, McGregor, Yang, Nygren, Tounekti, Maeda.
- Hearts: Schwolow, Steinwender, Kent, Findlay, Kingsley, Altena, Baningime, Spittal, Kabore, Braga, Shankland.
Key Points
- Celtic won 6 consecutive Premiership matches.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Celtic’s last 7 games.
- Celtic conceded in each of their last 5 matches.
- BTTS landed in 7 of Celtic’s last 8 home games.
- Hearts scored in 39 of 43 matches this season.
- Both teams scored in 5 of Hearts’ last 6 matches.
- Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic this season.
- BTTS landed in 4 of the last 5 H2H meetings.
- Over 2.5 goals landed in the last 5 H2H clashes.
Head to Head Statistics
Recent meetings between Celtic and Hearts have consistently produced goals. Hearts are unbeaten in all three league meetings against Celtic this season, including a 2-2 draw in January. Both teams scored in four of the last five encounters between the sides, while over 2.5 goals landed in each of the previous five meetings.
Prediction
This match has all the ingredients for another high-scoring encounter. Celtic must push aggressively for victory to keep the title at home, while Hearts have already shown throughout the season that they can hurt Celtic defensively. The hosts continue to score consistently, but their recent defensive record remains a major concern after conceding in five straight matches. Hearts also arrive with strong attacking momentum and scored in 91% of their matches this season. Considering the recent H2H trends, BTTS numbers from both teams and the importance of the match in the title race, both teams finding the net looks like the strongest option here. Recommended bet: Both Teams To Score — Yes
