Celtic vs Hibernian Preview

Image credits: Imago

Celtic travel to Easter Road to face Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, looking to quickly bounce back from their heartbreaking Champions League exit. The Hoops secured a 3-0 victory over Hibernian at Celtic Park in their last meeting on December 7. Celtic's focus is now on domestic duties, with their priority being to secure a record-equalling 55th Scottish Premiership title. They currently boast a 13-point advantage at the summit over their nearest rivals Rangers, with 12 league games remaining.

Hibernian have enjoyed an impressive 12-game unbeaten run across all competitions since losing 3-0 at Celtic in early December. They have won five of their last six home matches in all competitions, including each of their last three by an aggregate score of 8-1. However, Hibs have struggled against Celtic over the years, with only one win in their last 24 meetings in all tournaments. Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo remains out with an ankle injury, while James Forrest has returned to training after a spell on the sidelines with a foot problem.

The possible starting lineups for the match are: Hibernian - Smith; O'Hora, Bushiri, Iredale; C. Cadden; Triantis, Moriah-Welsh, N. Cadden; Campbell; Gayle, Boyle, and Celtic - Schmeichel; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Hatate, McGregor, McCowan; Kuhn, Idah, Jota. Hibernian have made themselves difficult to beat in recent weeks and will back themselves to cause problems to a deflated Celtic side on home soil. However, the Hoops will still be regarded as firm favourites to win Saturday's contest and should find a way to outscore their opponents at Easter Road, with their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.

Recent form suggests that Celtic are likely to come out on top, having won six of their last seven league matches, including each of their last three in a row by an aggregate score of 12-1. Hibernian's top scorer this season is Martin Boyle with 12 goals, at least seven more than any of his teammates. The match is expected to be closely contested, with both teams looking to secure a vital win in the Scottish Premiership. The match scores for the last few meetings between the two teams are:

• Celtic 3-0 Hibernian (December 7, 2024)
• Hibernian 4-2 Celtic (May 2023)
• Celtic 2-0 Hibernian (February 2023)

The tournament schedule for the next few weeks is:

1. Saturday, February 22: Hibernian vs Celtic
2. Saturday, March 1: Celtic vs Dundee United
3. Saturday, March 8: Rangers vs Hibernian

The team rankings in the Scottish Premiership are:

1. Celtic - 1st
2. Rangers - 2nd
3. Aberdeen - 3rd
4. Dundee United - 4th
5. Hibernian - 5th

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