"It is an indication of the importance of Sunday's game that Hearts and Celtic have both been scrambling to acquire new signings to bolster their starting line-ups at Tynecastle. Not surprising considering the consensus is that January recruitment could be the telling factor in what is now a three-horse race for the title. Doubly so for Hearts considering they have lost possibly their two most key players in captain Lawrence Shankland and midfield dynamo Cammy Devlin to lengthy spells on the sidelines."
"Hearts paid a fee to hasten the arrival of Rogers Mato, who was due to arrive in the summer, from North Macedonian leaders Vardar, but it is touch and go whether the paperwork will be complete in time for the Uganda forward to face Celtic. They might have better luck with a midfielder, as former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard is reportedly due to arrive on loan from Birmingham City after Forest Green Rovers rejected an approach for their captain, Laurent Mendy."
"Celtic, meanwhile, have plugged their striker gap by Thursday's arrival of Czech Republic international Tomas Cvancara on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach, a move made more timely by Johnny Kenny picking up an injury in their 2-2 draw in Bologna. Having to play almost an hour with 10 men in Bologna on Thursday after the dismissal of Reo Hatate will test Celtic's power of recovery, as will the concession of a 2-0 half-time lead."
Europa League results have tightened the Scottish title race, leaving Celtic, Rangers and Hearts locked in contention. Hearts and Celtic both pursued January signings to strengthen squads ahead of the key Tynecastle meeting. Hearts face significant absences after captain Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin suffered long-term injuries. Hearts accelerated the potential arrival of forward Rogers Mato and targeted midfielder Marc Leonard on loan. Celtic signed Tomas Cvancara on loan and will test recovery after a 2-2 draw in Bologna where Reo Hatate was dismissed and the team played nearly an hour with 10 men.
Read at www.bbc.com
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