Celtic – Hibernian: Scottish Premiership Clash Preview, Prediction, and Team News

The Celtic – Hibernian matchup in the Scottish Premiership is always a fixture to anticipate. With Celtic crowned as champions and Hibernian fighting for a European spot, this tie promises passion, stakes, and excitement. Let’s break down the preview, latest team news, and what fans can expect from this high-stakes encounter.

Celtic – Hibernian: What's at Stake?

Celtic have already secured their Scottish Premiership crown, showing incredible form under Brendan Rodgers. Meanwhile, Hibernian are pushing hard to finish third and secure a coveted Europa League spot for next season. The stakes remain high for both teams in different ways. Sports Mole’s in-depth preview highlights the latest developments and the significance for each side.

Team News & Expected Lineups

Celtic go into this tie with a few notable absences. Alistair Johnston remains on the sidelines with a hip injury, and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is also out due to a shoulder issue. Jota misses the rest of the campaign with a cruciate ligament injury. Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn is a doubt, potentially leaving James Forrest, Adam Idah, and Daizen Maeda to lead the Celtic attack.

For Hibernian, Hyeok-Kyu Kwon is ineligible to play against his parent club. Joe Newell and Thody Elie Youan face late fitness tests but could miss out. Lewis Miller’s return boosts Hibs’ defensive options. Martin Boyle, who continues his good form up front, will be a key figure in their lineup.

Recent Form

Celtic's dominance in the league has been clear, with only a handful of losses all season. Their last meeting with Hibernian ended in a competitive draw, but Celtic Park remains a fortress against Hibs, who haven’t won there since 2010. On the other side, Hibernian have shown resilience, bouncing back from a tough start to now lead a tight race for third. Their remarkable unbeaten run earlier in the season matched a record standing for nearly 80 years before being narrowly ended by Aberdeen.

Predictions and Key Battles

Expect a lively contest at Celtic Park. With both teams fielding attacking lineups, goals are likely. The Bhoys have netted at least twice in their last 23 league games at home, signalling their offensive power. Hibernian have scored in nine of their last twelve away fixtures, making them a threat on the break.

For a detailed prediction, LiveScore’s Scottish Premiership preview suggests a 3-1 victory for Celtic, reflecting both sides’ recent form and the strength Celtic possess at home. Celtic FC’s own coverage also shares insights from key players as they look forward to the Hibernian test.

Final Thoughts

The Celtic – Hibernian clash remains a must-watch in the Scottish football calendar. Celtic seek to maintain momentum ahead of upcoming cup finals, while Hibernian have everything to play for in their European push. With both sides boasting goal-scoring talent and plenty to lose, this Premiership showdown is set up perfectly for an entertaining afternoon.

Will Celtic’s unbeaten home record continue, or can Hibernian rewrite recent history at Celtic Park? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for what promises to be a memorable match.