For the current generation of Celtic players trips to Tynecastle have been among the highlights of the season.
Scott Sinclair made a match winning debut there last August while the last two titles have effectively been clinched in the west end of Edinburgh.
Going a little further back there were cup ties in successive seasons with the hoops scoring for fun as they notched up 11 goals to the anger of the home support.
Hearts have won twice in the last week, their first wins in front of the new Albert Kidd Sand which has eased them into the top six but well short of the second place that Robbie Neilson left them in just over a year ago.
After drawing away to Motherwell and Hibs Brendan Rodgers will be out to ensure that his side return to winning ways on the road with visits from Aberdeen and Sevco coming up.
The Celtic boss has used his squad extensively this season but it’s likely to be the A Team that line up at Tynecastle.
Last season’s exceptional standards haven’t been reached this term but it has still been an impressive start to the season with a win at Tynecastle welcomed at anytime- especially with at this crucial stage of the season.
CRAIG GORDON
Really needs to put in some consistent performances before the end of this month.
He has pulled off some outstanding saves this season, notably against Louis Moult at Hampden, but has had more frequent shaky moments such as his last minute fumble at Hibs before Mikael Lustig saved the day.
The keeper knows Tynecastle better than any of his team-mates and will be confident of keeping a clean sheet.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Has found the net a few times at Tynecastle and seems to find something extra for Edinburgh opponents.
Enjoyed a mini break with a place on the bench against Hamilton in midweek and will be raring to go running the legs off opponents.
He took some flack for his performance against Anderlecht but is a very important part of the team both defensively and in attack.
KRISTOFFER AJER
It’s time to play him. He experienced the SPFL last season at Kilmarnock, faced up to Rosenborg and Astana this term and is now ready to become a regular.
After switching position he is looking very comfortable anywhere across the back, Kyle Lafferty won’t give him sleepless nights.
Getting the vote for this match will send his confidence soaring and could fully launch his Celtic career.
DEDRYCK BOYATA
Has had a very successful year, certainly in comparison to 2016 but still has many doubters among the Celtic support.
There is a general nervousness in Celtic’s defending on the ball, last week at Easter Rosd those concerns extended to the basic ability to defend.
He’ll be expecting fresh competition for his place in January but after coming in from the cold this year he’ll be confident of retaining his place in the team.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Looked as if he was bursting to get on against Hamilton as he warmed up in shorts and t-shirt as the fans shivered watching him.
He is a relative veteran of this fixture and knows the hostility and venom to expect from the locals.
Has looked a little tired recently but can see the finishing line in sight on December 30 and will be looking to sign 2017 off with a run of victories.
SCOTT BROWN
He likes it at Tynecastle because they don’t like him.
The former Hibs midfielder loves to get stuck in and the home players are never short of encouragement to rough up the Celtic skipper.
Brown has been in magnificent form this season, none more so than in the Champions League and is absolutely essential to this Celtic side.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
There are very clear signs that the young Frenchman is becoming a growing influence at Celtic.
He made a big impact against Anderlecht when he came on and put in a very effective first half against Hamilton.
The atmosphere at Tynecastle and type of game will suit his style of play, he won’t go into hiding and is well capable of coming up with a goal.
JAMES FORREST
Will be keen to get over his first half miss against Hibs but showed against Hamilton that he knows how to find the net.
Even if Patrick Roberts had been fit it’s unlikely that he would have been in the team ahead of Forrest on his current form.
With the backing of Brendan Rodgers his game has gone up to a new level, he knows Tynecastle well and will thrive on the hostility.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Is currently winning the three way battle with Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic for the advanced midfielder role.
His versatility is working to his advantage in that he can drop deeper if needed and is never rushed or under pressure regardless of the situation.
Like a few others he has a goal in his game and is well capable of a match winning performance.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
An off form Scott Sinclair would be a first pick at any team in Scotland!
Like the team he is harshly being compared to the high points of last season, his contribution has been vital this season and is a team player despite his individual skills.
He made a scoring debut at Tynecastle and kicked off last season’s title party, he’ll fancy himself to be among the goals and celebrations.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
The less he plays the more he gets talked about.
Odsonne Edouard has started the last three domestic matches but Brendan Rodgers will know just what this fixture means to the former Hibs striker.
He will lap up the abuse pouring his way and will like nothing better than to put the ball in the net and celebrate with the fans that like him least.