Former Hearts midfielder Derek Ferguson has backed Craig Levein's men to spring a surprise by dumping Celtic out of the Scottish League Cup this weekend.
The Jambos, who have been flying high in the Scottish Premiership this season, are set to lock horns with Brendan Rodgers' men at Murrayfield in a semi-final tie.
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 14th |
| 2023–24 | 9th |
| 2022–23 | 14th |
| 2021–22 | 7th |
| 2020–21 | 6th |
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 16th |
| 2023–24 | 14th |
| 2022–23 | 13th |
| 2021–22 | 10th |
| 2020–21 | 13th |
Celtic will head into the game having suffered a 2-0 defeat in Germany against RB Leipzig in the Europa League and Ferguson has backed more pain to be piled onto the Bhoys.
He thinks the Levein factor, combined with Steven Naismith's form, will be key in handing Hearts what would be a shock victory and spot in the Scottish League Cup final.
"I'm going with Hearts", Ferguson said on Open Goal.
"The venue, the way Hearts are playing, Naismith, Levein, everything.
“He's managing them well.
“I'm thinking maybe a wee bit outside the box, but I'm going to go for Hearts."
Hearts have taken 25 points from their opening ten games in the Scottish Premiership, six more than Celtic, although the Bhoys do have a game in hand.
Levein's side have not won the Scottish League Cup since 1962.
| Season | Position |
|---|---|
| 2024–25 | 9th (Championship) |
| 2023–24 | 5th (Championship — lost in play‑off semi‑finals) |
| 2022–23 | 9th (Championship) |
| 2021–22 | 10th (Championship) |
| 2020–21 | 19th (Premier League) |
