Bank Of Scotland SPL
Sunday 26th December 2004
Tynecastle Stadium, Edinburgh
Kick Off 2pm, Live On Setanta SPL
This Christmas time, the only thing I'll be wishing for is to be top of the SPL table. Celtic travel to Tynecastle tomorrow in the hope of three Boxing Day points, which would have us all a Merry Christmas.
Tomorrow's game was scheduled for Monday, but was moved forward by Setanta. A Boxing Day game has a special edge to it. So does an away game. Especially at Tynecastle. It's going to be a cracker.
If memory serves me correctly, our last Boxing Day away match was in the 90's, when a golden shoed Paolo Di Canio done the honours at Pittodrie.
Hearts are currently sixth in the SPL, with a new manager, John Robertson, on board. The last time we played them they were easily disposed of, 3-0 in October.
Once again, we didn't play well last week, but the players will be up for this one tomorrow. Joos Valgaeren is out so we may see an appearance by Ulrik Laursen at left-back.
Outside Ibrox, Tynecastle is the most hate-filled ground in the country. Hearts away is one of the toughest games of the season, with one of the most hostile atmospheres.
Hearts' tactics will be simple. They will try and kick us off the park, like they do every time we play them. Celtic are usually too wise for it, and I'll be hoping they are double-wide tomorrow. We can beat this team by playing football.
For those of us lucky enough to get tickets, I'm sure we'll all be up for it. Enjoy the game and let's pick up the only Christmas present we all really want.
Come On The Hoops!
Prediction: Hearts 0-1 Celtic