Epic contest in prospect for top of the table clash

Seldom has a Hearts-Celtic fixture generated such interest. Sunday's meeting at Tynecastle Park promises a contest of epic proportions as Edinburgh hosts Glasgow in a top-of-the-table Premiership fixture, writes Barry Anderson.

- Barry Anderson.

Hearts are five points clear as Celtic travel to the Capital wanting a win to close the gap in an effort to successfully defend their league title.

The two clubs have met 385 times in competitive matches and Celtic claim the upper hand.

The first meeting of any nature was a friendly way back on Saturday, January 4, 1890, at the first Celtic Park. The home team recorded a 7-0 victory that day, but they won't find this weekend's encounter quite so straightforward.

Hearts have won 89 of the 385 competitive encounters, with Celtic victorious in 221. Seventy-five ended in a draw. The Tynecastle side have scored 421 goals altogether, conceding 756.