Boot on the other foot for a change

For years we worried of the consequences an away trip in Europe would do to our weekend performance.  The boot is on the other foot now.  Hearts head to Celtic Park on Sunday after returning from Switzerland in the early hours of this morning.

Their result against Zurich was perfect: a narrow defeat keeps the tie alive; manager Robbie Neilson will be alert to the possibility of delivering Europa League football with a sold home win on Thursday.  Do not underestimate the emotional and physical strain put on the Hearts players as a result of last night’s game.  I am feeling unusually confident about Sunday.

There is a similar story at play with another Glasgow-Edinburgh fixture this weekend.  Hibs host Newco, who are between European qualifiers.  Hibs, like Celtic, don’t need to bother about these games.

Newco’s next six league games include visits to Hibs, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts.  This run will expose whatever weaknesses exist in their squad.  Celtic have their own business to take care of, and we will be in the middle of Champions League group stage exertions during this period, but, the opportunity is there to build a clear lead in the title race.