Celtic-Hearts showdown tops weekend's Premiership bill
Retold by Oddsrama · 16 October 2026
Celtic and Hearts lock horns on Sunday in what looks like the weekend's heavyweight clash in Scottish Premiership action. Both clubs are still representing Scotland in Europe, but neither side arrives in perfect form. Celtic's domestic dominance—they lead by two points with 14 wins in their last 15 league games—took a serious dent when Benfica hammered them 4-1 in the Europa League on Thursday. That defeat has piled fresh pressure on Martin O'Neill, who questioned his own future just weeks earlier before deciding to stay put. Hearts, last season's title-challengers under Derek McInnes, have their own issues to iron out, particularly on the road where they've won just twice in their last 11 away league games without a clean sheet. A late equaliser against Nordsjaelland in their Conference League opener has also left a sour taste.
For punters, the timing is worth noting: European hangovers can bite hard. Celtic remain clear favourites to extend their lead, but Hearts arrive on an unbeaten run of one defeat in 13 overall, and they've claimed two victories in their last six visits to Celtic Park. The Scottish champions will likely tinker their attack—O'Neill has hinted winger Camilo Duran could move centrally to replace misfiring striker Kasper Hogh. Hearts' backline will face a stern examination; Celtic have attempted the most shots in the league this season.
Saturday sees Rangers travel to Dundee hoping to pile pressure on the defending champions. Rangers sit just two points behind after easing past Kilmarnock and have won their last seven league games. They've dominated Dundee historically—unbeaten in 20 meetings since 2017, with three consecutive wins at Dens Park. However, Steven Pressley's Dundee outfit have tightened up lately, losing just once in four and winning their last two. Ryan Naderi's six goals this season and winger Djeidi Gassama's creative spark give Rangers attacking teeth, though an away day after European commitments always carries risk for the favourites.
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