As the Scottish Premiership season approaches its climax, Celtic F.C. is gearing up for a crucial match against Hearts this Saturday, March 29, 2025. With a commanding 13-point lead over second-placed Rangers, the Hoops are looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat in the Old Firm derby prior to the international break. The return of midfielder Paulo Bernardo adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming clash.
Paulo Bernardo, who has been sidelined since early February due to an ankle injury sustained during a Scottish Cup victory against Raith Rovers, has declared himself fit and ready to contribute. The 23-year-old playmaker expressed his eagerness to rejoin the squad, stating, "It’s been all good. I can play football again, so I’m really excited for the weeks that are coming." Bernardo's absence was felt as he missed the last eight matches, but he is optimistic about his recovery.
The injury initially appeared to be minor, but a subsequent scan revealed more severe damage, leading to a longer recovery period than anticipated. Reflecting on his time away from the pitch, Bernardo commented, "The injury was bad, but I recovered very well and hopefully I can play from now on." He acknowledged that while he feels ready, he may not be fit for a full 90 minutes against Hearts, adding, "I will try my best to do as best as I can if the coach wants me to play."
Bernardo's return is timely, as he looks forward to rekindling his partnership with fellow Portuguese player Jota. He noted, "I’m looking forward to playing with everyone, but it’s nice to have Jota here with me. I speak a lot with him, so I think we are a good double too." The two players have shown great chemistry on the pitch, and their collaboration could prove vital in the title run-in.
Celtic's recent form has been strong overall, with the team having lost only three of their 30 league matches this season. However, the defeat to Rangers served as a wake-up call, prompting manager Brendan Rodgers to refocus his squad. Bernardo emphasized the importance of learning from past games, stating, "We know that Hearts will be a difficult game but we will do our best and we have learned from the other games what we can improve, and we will try to do it."
Hearts, currently sitting in sixth place, have shown resilience since the appointment of manager Neil Critchley. The Jambos are vying for a strong finish in the league, and their recent performances have made them a challenging opponent. Despite having lost twice to Celtic this season, including a 2-0 defeat at Celtic Park and a 4-1 loss at Tynecastle, Hearts will be looking to upset the odds.
Celtic's lineup for the match is expected to feature several key players returning from injury. Captain Callum McGregor is likely to reclaim his spot in midfield after missing the derby, while Daizen Maeda is set to lead the attack. The team will also see the possible debut of goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, who may step in due to Kasper Schmeichel's shoulder injury.
Defensively, the Hoops have had to navigate injuries to players like Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, but they will be bolstered by the return of McGregor and the inclusion of Bernardo. The team has shown depth throughout the season, and their ability to adapt will be tested against a determined Hearts side.
In the lead-up to the match, Bernardo expressed confidence in the team's potential, stating, "As a team, we still have some goals to achieve, and we will try our best to do that as soon as possible." His enthusiasm reflects the collective mindset within the squad as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the table.
Fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Celtic Park, where the home side will look to leverage their strong support. Bernardo concluded, "With the supporters on our side, it’s always easier to play." The atmosphere will undoubtedly play a crucial role as Celtic aims to extend their lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Paulo Bernardo and his teammates as they strive for victory against Hearts, a team that has proven to be resilient this season. With the title race heating up, every match counts, and Celtic is determined to maintain their dominance in the league.
