Celtic vs Hearts 18.10.2026: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

Celtic Park is set to host a clash between two sides traveling in very different directions. The Hoops have managed only one win in their last five outings, while Hearts have pocketed two victories over the same span. Yet the head-to-head history paints a consistently explosive picture – each of the last five meetings has produced at least three goals. That trend, combined with the current form of both teams, gives plenty of angles to explore when breaking down this fixture.

Celtic

The hosts have hit a rough patch. In their most recent five matches, Celtic suffered four defeats and earned just a single win – a 2‑0 result against Motherwell. Since that victory, they have lost to Benfica (1‑4), Rangers (0‑1), Ferencváros (1‑3), and suffered another earlier reverse to Rangers (0‑3). Over two home games in this stretch, the Hoops have also lost both: 0‑1 and 1‑3. Across those five matches they scored four times but conceded twelve, though one heavy defeat came on the road.

The win over Motherwell actually revealed a side capable of overwhelming opponents: 25 shots, 15 on target, and an expected goals (xG) figure of 3.56 – yet they only scored twice. Against Benfica, Celtic created chances worth 1.76 xG and found the net once, but allowed opportunities equating to 2.79 xGA and shipped four. These numbers show that the team can generate plenty of openings, but their recent run does not consistently reflect their attacking strength. The defence, meanwhile, has looked vulnerable when put under sustained pressure. If we zoom out to seasonal averages, the picture is rosier: 2.0 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per game. For this match, Celtic need to link their usual volume of attacks with tighter work at the back.

Hearts

The visitors arrive with a more stable record. Over their last five fixtures, Hearts have won twice, drawn twice, and lost once. Their most recent outings were a 1‑1 draw with Nordsjaelland and a 5‑0 thrashing of St Mirren. Before that came a 1‑1 draw with Kilmarnock, a 1‑2 loss to Falkirk, and a 3‑0 victory over Stenhousemuir. In three away matches from this set, Hearts recorded one win, one draw, and one defeat, scoring five and conceding three.

However, the big scoreline against St Mirren was not backed by dominant chance creation. Hearts managed only eight shots and an xG of 0.71 but put five goals past the goalkeeper. Their opponents, conversely, generated 3.15 xG and failed to score. In the Nordsjaelland game, the visiting side posted just 0.84 xG against the Danes’ 1.89, yet the match ended 1‑1. These examples highlight a gap between the scoreboard and the substance of play: Hearts’ recent finishing has outstripped their underlying attacking numbers, while their own defence has allowed dangerous moments. Compared to Celtic, the visitors carry a more consistent sequence of results, but they must take care not to let the hosts run up a big advantage in chances.

Statistics and Trends

Every one of the last five head‑to‑head meetings has seen at least three goals. The scores were 3‑1, 2‑2, 1‑2, 3‑1, and 3‑0. In four of those five games, the total reached four goals. The most recent encounter at Celtic Park ended 3‑1 in favour of the home side. The current form of the teams adds texture: Celtic have conceded freely, while Hearts scored five in one game despite creating less than 1 xG. Looking at the bigger picture, Celtic average 2.0 goals scored and 0.5 conceded per match this season; Hearts average 2.38 scored and 1.0 conceded. The historical data supports a multi‑goal contest, although Hearts’ recent overperformance in front of goal should be treated with some caution.

Match Prediction

Celtic will be desperate to snap their losing streak. Their home matches show they can create chances even when results are not forthcoming. Hearts come into the game with a stronger recent sequence and have scored on the road, but their blowout victory over St Mirren far outpaced the quality of the opportunities they created. The head‑to‑head record has been consistently high‑scoring: all five of the most recent meetings delivered at least three goals. Combined with the hosts’ defensive wobbles and the visitors’ ability to find the net away from home, there is plenty of reason to expect goals here.

The primary recommendation is over 2.5 goals. That outcome has occurred in each of the last five direct clashes, as well as in several of Celtic’s recent matches (games with four and three goals) and in Hearts’ competitive away fixtures.