Forrest may have to sacrifice himself
Games this season on artificial surfaces at Kilmarnock and Livingston produced a single point between them, so Celtic have questions to answer at New Douglas Park, Hamilton, tomorrow. The Lanarkshire side were dogged at Celtic Park in the first meeting between the teams this season, losing only 1-0. We can expect them to pack their 18-yard-box for the duration of the game, no matter the score.
The Livingston draw last time out was welcomed as a point gained as leadership rivals Hearts lost the same weekend. The teams are now neck-and-neck at the top of the table. Hearts have lost three and draw one in their last four outings, failing to score in any of these games, so although the trip to St Mirren tomorrow looks like an easy game for a team with title aspirations, no game is easy when you are as off form as this Hearts team.
At times like this, the early kick-off adds pressure to Celtic. Anything but a win will give Hearts encouragement.
James Forrest has been in the Celtic team for eight years but he has never been the focus of attention, as he is right now. Accies will double up on him, with a third body ready, if necessary. Sometimes the star player has to sacrifice himself by drawing defenders towards him in order to make space for others. I expect to see some of this tomorrow.
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