Can Hearts prove credentials at scene of title heartbreak?

What the report says

Hearts return to Celtic Park on Sunday for a Scottish Premiership meeting that BBC Sport says will test whether their early-season form can support Tony Bloom’s title ambitions for the Edinburgh club. Their previous visit to Parkhead in May ended in a painful defeat that effectively ended their championship hopes, but Wouter Vrancken’s side arrive in Glasgow after a strong recent run and with renewed confidence.

According to BBC Sport, Hearts have won five and drawn one of their last seven matches under Vrancken, including a 5-0 league win over St Mirren last weekend. The Belgian coach said his players must not dwell on the past and should bring the same intensity to every game. Oisin McEntee, part of last season’s squad, also said the trip is not being framed as a revenge mission.

Celtic, meanwhile, go into the match after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Benfica, a result that added to concern among supporters already frustrated with recent performances. Martin O’Neill said he still regards Hearts as genuine challengers and expects another difficult contest. BBC Sport notes Celtic have been strong at home in the league against Hearts, though the Edinburgh side earned seven points from four meetings last season, their best return against the Glasgow club in decades.