Preview: Celtic vs. Hibernian - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are aiming to get back to winning ways after a narrow defeat away to Dundee United at Tannadice in midweek.

Match preview

Celtic have enjoyed a strong start to proceedings domestically this campaign, winning eight out of their nine league matches under Ange Postecoglou.

The only blemish on their Scottish Premiership record in 2022-23 came in matchday eight at St Mirren Park, where goals from Mark O'Hara and Jonah Ayunga condemned the champions to a surprise defeat.

Since then, they have reacted positively with consecutive 2-1 wins over Motherwell and St Johnstone, maintaining a two-point lead over second-placed Rangers.

In their last league outing away to St Johnstone, the Hoops looked on course for a 1-0 victory courtesy of an Andrew Considine own goal which Sead Haksabanovic assisted.

However, in the 93rd minute of the match it looked as if Celtic had thrown away their chances of a victory, as defender Andrew Mitchell tied the scoring from close range to set up a tense finale.

Incredibly though, Celtic were able to fashion one more attack, which would clinch a vital three points in the title race. From Alexandro Bernabei's pinpoint cross, Giorgos Giakoumakis was able to convert in the 95th minute to secure a dramatic triumph for the visitors.

Of course, Australian boss Postecoglou has also had to factor in Champions League action this season alongside domestic duties, which has not gone so well in terms of results, at least for the Scottish giants.

In Champions League Group F, they sit bottom of the pile after four matches with one point and were eliminated from the tournament during the week owing to a 2-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in Glasgow.

Despite putting in relatively competitive performances in their four European games, ruthlessness in front of goal is something that has cost Celtic in their quest to progress in the Champions League and it has also crept into their league displays after a flying start.

In the wins over Motherwell and St Johnstone, Celtic have missed a host of gilt-edged chances that should have resulted in both games being settled by more than a single goal. This time out, Postecoglou's men will be desperate to put in a more clinical performance and claim a third league victory on the trot.

On the other hand, visitors Hibernian come to Celtic Park having won four out of their last five league matches and currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership ranks.

Most recently, they suffered a narrow 1-0 loss away to Dundee United on Tuesday night that was settled by a classy finish from Aziz Behich.

Before the defeat at Tannadice, the Hibees had been on a run of four straight victories against Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, Ross County and Motherwell under manager Lee Johnson, who has dramatically improved the fortunes of the Edinburgh-based side in 2022-23.

Defensive solidity has been a major part of the 41-year-old's philosophy at Easter Road, and that has seen his side concede just eight goals so far this season, giving them the joint-second best rearguard in the league along with Rangers.

Defender Ryan Porteous has been a particularly bright spark for Hibernian this season, racking up four clean sheets and also contributing with two goals leading to him receiving his international debut with his native Scotland.

No doubt, Hibernian will provide stiff opposition for Scottish Premiership holders Celtic as they seek to move closer to the Champions League slots in the table. Earlier in the campaign, they demonstrated their ability to claim results against the Glasgow clubs as a late equaliser from Josh Campbell claimed a deserved 2-2 draw at home to Rangers in August.

Lee Johnson will be eyeing a similar display on the road this weekend to continue his positive start to life in charge of Hibernian.

Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

W

W

W

L

W

W

Celtic form (all competitions):

D

L

W

L

W

L

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

L

W

W

W

W

L

Team News

Celtic captain Callum McGregor is unavailable for the hosts due to a knee injury that is set to keep the 29-year-old out of action until after the World Cup in Qatar.

Jota is a doubt for the visit of Hibernian due to missing the last two matches for Celtic with a knock.

At the same time, Liel Abada may also miss out after being withdrawn against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek with a dead leg.

Swedish defender Carl Starfelt is expected to remain out of contention as he recovers from a knee injury that has kept him away from first-team action since early September.

For Hibernian, forward Kevin Nisbet will be on the sidelines once again owing to a cruciate ligament rupture, while Rocky Bushiri is not expected to take part either at Celtic Park due to an ankle injury.

Backup goalkeeper Maciej Dabrowski will not be available again, signifying that Ryan Schofield will occupy his place on the substitutes' bench.

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Juranovic, Jenz, Carter-Vickers, Taylor; O'Riley, Hatate, Haksabanovic, Forrest, Maeda, Furuhashi

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Cadden, Porteous, Hanlon, Cabraja; Kenneh; Boyle, Campbell, Newell, Youan; Kukharevych

We say: Celtic 2-1 Hibernian

In a match with significant ramifications at the top end of the Scottish Premiership, we expect an entertaining game at Celtic Park with plenty of goalmouth action.

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