Celtic return to home soil this Saturday as they welcome Hibernian to Parkhead for a Scottish Premiership clash.
With a hard-fought victory over Aberdeen in midweek extending their lead at the top of the table, Brendan Rodgers’ men will aim to maintain momentum ahead of a critical Champions League encounter against Dinamo Zagreb next Tuesday.
Celtic currently hold a commanding seven-point advantage over second-placed Aberdeen and sit 11 points clear of Rangers in third.
Meanwhile, Hibernian, under the stewardship of David Gray, arrive in Glasgow buoyed by a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over Motherwell last weekend.
Despite sitting 11th, just two points off the bottom, Gray’s side have shown signs of improvement and will look to upset the odds against the league leaders.
The two sides have already met twice this season, with Celtic claiming wins in both encounters. In August, a clinical 2-0 victory at Easter Road in the league was followed by a 3-1 success in the Scottish League Cup at Parkhead just a week later.
However, Hibs will hope to capitalise on any signs of fatigue in Celtic’s ranks as the champions juggle a congested fixture schedule. With a European showdown looming, Rodgers faces key decisions regarding his starting lineup.
Ryan McGinlay’s Take
Ryan McGinlay believes Celtic are in an enviable position domestically and anticipates another strong showing at Parkhead.
“The games come thick and fast for Celtic, don’t they? Thankfully, there are no big excursions up north this weekend for the club and its players, as Celtic Park awaits for a traditional 3pm kick-off in the Scottish Premiership—just what the doctor ordered after a gruelling trip to Aberdeen in midweek,” Ryan notes.
“Celtic’s squad depth is a real asset, and I expect Rodgers to rotate while maintaining the strength of the team. Kasper Schmeichel, ever-reliable since his summer arrival, will remain in goal. In defence, Liam Scales should partner Auston Trusty, with Cameron Carter-Vickers likely rested. Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston will occupy the full-back slots.”
In midfield, Ryan predicts some fresh faces. “Captain Callum McGregor will anchor the midfield alongside Luke McCowan, who impressed in Aberdeen, and Arne Engels, who could regain his spot in the number 10 role.”
Up front, Ryan expects Adam Idah to lead the line. “Idah’s encouraging cameo midweek makes him a strong candidate to start ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi. Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn should retain their places on the wings.”
Ryan’s prediction? A comfortable Celtic win: “Celtic to win by at least three clear goals and apply that ‘scoreboard pressure’ once again on Aberdeen and Rangers.”
Ryan’s XI: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, McCowan, Engels; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.
John McGinley
John McGinley highlights the unpredictability of Celtic’s lineup as a testament to their strength in depth.
“The truth is that the Celtic team is hard to predict right now. That’s not a problem; it’s simply a sign of the strength of options Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal,” John observes.
“With five substitutions now the norm, Rodgers can effectively balance his squad for the challenges that come every few days.”
John believes this weekend is an opportunity for rotation.
“Liam Scales and Anthony Ralston could come into the backline. In midfield, Arne Engels may return after being benched for two games. Luke McCowan’s impact off the bench this season also warrants a starting berth.”
John also backs Adam Idah for a starting role. “Idah’s physical presence and form make him a strong shout to push Kyogo Furuhashi for the central striker position.”
Looking ahead, John underscores the importance of maintaining focus. “With Dinamo Zagreb and a domestic final against Rangers on the horizon, Celtic must strike the right balance. This weekend offers a chance to rotate but also to keep momentum.”
John’s XI: Schmeichel, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Engels, McCowan; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.
Key Talking Points
Hibs boss David Gray has urged his side to be bold. Despite the disparity in league positions, he believes his team must “carry the fight” to Celtic.
“You can’t just sit back and wait to be beaten,” Gray said earlier this week. His team will need to combine defensive discipline with moments of attacking threat if they are to stand any chance of halting Celtic’s relentless domestic form.
For Celtic, the match presents an opportunity to further cement their dominance while keeping players fresh for the European stage. With Rodgers expected to shuffle his pack, all eyes will be on his selections and whether the fringe players can step up.
The champions have set the benchmark this season, but as Hibs travel to Parkhead, they’ll be determined to test Celtic’s resolve. Whether they can match the league leaders remains the ultimate question.
