1 LET'S GET PHYSICAL Robbie Neilson has already predicted a bruising approach from Hearts and Celtic are unlikely to be shrinking violets in response. Bobo Balde will presumably pick up Edgaras Jankauskas in a collision of goliaths while Steven Pressley is likely to be detailed the job of coping with John Hartson.

Neither Julien Brellier nor Neil Lennon will be shy of a thudding tackle in midfield, while Neilson may deliver an early New Year greeting to Shunsuke Nakamura. Sayonara shinpads, perhaps.

2 REFEREE WATCH If point one pans out as expected, the pressure will intensify on Iain Brines, right, to maintain control without scattering cards like an inept blackjack dealer. Brines hasn't always f lourished in the spotlight and this match, amid a fervent atmosphere is a significant test.

3 OLD GUARD OR NEW BHOYS?

Gordon Strachan brought Alan Thompson back into his starting line-up for the 1-1 draw with Hearts at Parkhead. He may do so again as Aiden McGeady, more skelf than strongarm, struggled in that role against Livingston. There also remains a doubt over Ross Wallace at left-back as his lack of stature could be brutally exposed if Hearts are able to isolate him at the far post. A return for Mo Camara would, of course, carry its own risks.

4 FROM LEFT FIELD Rudi Skacel has reigned supreme for Hearts and denying him sight of goal must be a leading priority for Celtic. If the Czech can shift the ball onto his left side, his finishing is brutally effective.

The task of closing him down is likely to be Paul Telfer's as, further infield, Neil Lennon may have his hands full tracking the runs of Paul Hartley.

5 HARTLEY IN A JAM The aforementioned midfielder has struggled since Graham Rix's arrival but wasn't helped by the coach, in a brain-seizing decision, fielding him as a holding player in the draw with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Hartley returned to potent form, scoring in the 5-0 win over Falkirk, but was not chuffed at being substituted with 12 minutes remaining. Hearts need him at his aggressive and dynamic best.

6 STAN THE MAN?

Stilian Petrov has been the driving force behind most that has been good about Celtic this season. Strachan quickly learned that the Bulgarian was wasted in a wide position and was rewarded with a succession of sterling performances and goals. Petrov may have been lacklustre against Livingston, but he remains the individual with greatest potential to be matchwinner.

7 IN SAFE HANDS On a day when a mistake could cost dearly, the contest between the two best goalkeepers in the SPL will be fascinating. Craig Gordon is now firmly established as Scotland's first choice while Artur Boruc, right, has proved a revelation this season. The Pole did, though, show a rare moment of hesitation in the season's earlier meeting when Skacel capitalised on Telfer's short back pass to score at Parkhead.

8 STRIKE POWER Celtic have the edge with decent returns from both Hartson and Maloney this season, but Strachan cannot afford either to be injured with Maciej Zurawski, Chris Sutton and Craig Beattie ruled out. There can be a less direct mentality about the Hearts attack as Jankauskas tends to meander from the danger area while showing f lashes of tricks. With Roman Bednar struggling to be fit, Calum Elliot, who scored twice against Falkirk, should be given the chance to forge his reputation.

9 ON THE SIDELINES Rix has often seemed mute on the bench. Tomorrow will be a defining moment in how he is perceived by the Tynecastle support, many of whom still harbour doubts over him.

Strachan must have writer's cramp from the number of notes he has scribbled this season but he, too, must communicate effectively having admitted failure in that respect when Celtic lost to Dunfermline.

10 THE BENCH MARKS Neither side will be able to boast a plethora of effective options in reserve. For Hearts, Michal Pospisil could be introduced from the bench - if Elliot starts - but it's difficult to see others with the knack for turning a game. Strachan, meanwhile, overlooked Thompson and Stephen Pearson to introduce Michael McGlinchey and Adam Virgo against Livingston. It would be to that little and large duo he would look for attacking dimensions if Hartson and Maloney misfire.