Hearts and Celtic will face off against each other on Sunday.
It’s the most anticipated Scottish Premiership fixture of the season so far as the two top teams in the league lock horns in Gorgie.
The Jambos currently sit five points ahead of the Hoops having won seven of their eight games, while Celtic have stumbled to just five victories.
However, Brendan Rodgers will be buoyed by the 2-1 win over Sturm Graz on Thursday night and providing his team with much-needed confidence.
Kick-off at Tynecastle is at 12pm before a minute’s applause 26 minutes into the encounter.
Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesMinute’s applause for Marius Zaliukas during Hearts vs Celtic
Hearts have asked all supporters inside Tynecastle to partake in a minute’s applause on the 26th minute in memory of Marius Zaliukas.
The former Hearts captain sadly passed away on October 31, 2020 at the age of just 36 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
On Sunday, it will be almost five years to the day since Zaliukas’ death.
On Hearts’ supporter information piece, it reads: “On the 26th minute we encourage supporters to partake in a minutes applause as we mark the five-year anniversary of the passing of our former captain Marius Zaliukas.”
Zaliukas’ career at Hearts
Zaliukas signed for Hearts initially on loan in 2006 from FBK Kaunas. The central defender made an impressive start and was signed permanently a year later.
The Lithuanian was a fiery character and was sent off four times during the 2008/09 season, two of which came against Aberdeen in separate games.
He was appointed vice-captain under Csaba Laszlo and then promoted to captain when Jim Jefferies became Hearts manager for a second time.
Zaliukas lifted the Scottish Cup in 2012 having beaten Hibs 5-1 in the final at Hampden Park. He left Hearts in 2013 and went on to play for Leeds United, Rangers and Zalgiris.