(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 24 October 2025 18:30, UK

Brendan Rodgers will have some selection dilemma’s when Celtic travel to Hearts for an early crunch battle in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Celtic face Hearts five points behind the Edinburgh club, with Derek McInnes’ side looking to create history by winning the title this season.

Dundee stunned Celtic 2-0 at Dens Park to ensure the Hoops headed to Tynecastle with a defeat on their league record this season.

Hearts could go eight clear with victory, and Celtic have had European duties to contend with in mid-week which has hit Rodgers’ squad.

Auston Trusty and Johnny Kenny to earn rare starts

Celtic beat Sturm Graz 2-1 in the Europa League to pick up an important victory, but for Rodgers it came at a cost.

Cameron Carter-Vickers could be out for five months which means Auston Trusty is expected to deputise at centre-back for the foreseeable future.

Also in defence, the returning Alastair Johnston picked up a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by 19-year-old Colby Donovan.

Kelechi Iheanacho had to be replaced by Johnny Kenny after just two minutes, with Shin Yamada not named in Celtic’s Europa League squad.

Yamada will be expected to make the squad at Tynecastle, as Rodgers utilises the few options he has available.

Benjamin Nygren to keep right wing spot

Benjamin Nygren started on the right flank against Sturm Graz, as Rodgers does not trust Hyun-Jun Yang and preferred the Sweden international over 34-year-old James Forrest.

Nygren did not particularly impress despite his goal, but Celtic’s problems in that position means he is likely to keep his place.

Celtic looked more threatening down the left with natural winger Sebastian Tounekti, and the 23-year-old may be an important player at Hearts.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has to yet to ignite his Celtic career, and with Jota and Daizen Maeda currently injured, much creativity will rest on Tounekti from out wide.