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

The hosts are without a win in their previous three matches, and could sink into the relegation zone with a defeat.

Match preview

Hibernian might have drawn their two matches before the international break, but they had been building a steady run of form by going six games in all competitions without a loss.

Unfortunately, the Hibees were not able to continue that run as they suffered a 4-0 loss against Rangers when Scottish Premiership action returned last weekend, which is something they will be looking to put behind them immediately.

Nick Montgomery's men face a tough test in making that happen against the only undefeated team in the league, but they will be able to take some confidence in the fact they are defensively stronger at home.

That is going to be important against the highest-scoring team in the Scottish Premiership, with the Hoops having proven themselves to be no strangers to scoring a goal.

With Hibernian sitting just two points above the relegation zone there will be a need for concentration considering where a defeat could lead the team by the end of the weekend.

For the visitors, the focus will be on maintaining their undefeated start to the campaign as they continue to try and defend their Scottish Premiership title.

Celtic will bring even more confidence to the pitch this weekend after picking up their first point in the Champions League on Wednesday night by drawing against Atletico Madrid.

Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma helped to secure that result, which followed on from victories against Kilmarnock and Hearts.

The Hoops were dominant against the Jambos in their most recent league encounter, with four different goalscorers resulting in a 4-1 win to showcase their attacking qualities across the team.

While they already boast a seven-point lead on their closest rivals at the top of the table, Celtic will still want to extend that to provide even more breathing room.

Hibernian Scottish Premiership form:

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Hibernian form (all competitions):

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Celtic Scottish Premiership form:

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Celtic form (all competitions):

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Team News

Jojo Wollacott was able to be named as a substitute during Hibernian's most recent outing, but it remains to be seen if the goalkeeper will be fit enough to make a return to the starting XI this weekend.

Paul Hanlon returned to the team in the loss against Rangers, marking his 50th game for the club, and he could retain his position at the back.

Gustaf Lagerbielke was brought back out of the Celtic in midweek despite starting against Hearts, but he could be in contention to return to the team this time around.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the field, it is expected that Furuhashi and Palma will be the strike partnership that starts after both men scored in the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers is expected to remain without Stephen Welsh, but a return for Maik Nawrocki is expected soon following a muscle issue, but he will be lacking match sharpness.

Hibernian possible starting lineup:

Marshall; Miller, Fish, Hanlon, Obita; Youan, Jeggo, Newell, Boyle; Doidge, Le Fondre

Celtic possible starting lineup:

Hart; Johnson, Lagerbielke, Scales, Taylor; O'Riley, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Kyogo, Palma

We say: Hibernian 0-3 Celtic

Hibernian have shown slightly stronger form in recent weeks, but this is a fixture that few will expect them to take points from.

Celtic have had a dominant grip of the Scottish Premiership this season, and that is likely to continue this weekend.

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