Its Celtic v Hibs on Sunday, we have Preview, Predictions & Starting Team News for the game that kicks off at 3pm.
Celtic will look to keep the pressure on their Old Firm rivals when they welcome Hibs to Celtic Park on Sunday. After a less than impressive win over Riga in their Europa League 3rd qualifying round sparked some concern amongst the Celtic fanbase, Neil Lennon’s side will look to continue their fine domestic form and make it 6 wins from 6 at home this season when they take on Jack Ross’ side.
In 45 previous encounters between the two sides, Celtic hold the advantage having won 27 games, lost seven and drawn 11.
Celtic’s league form
Celtic in their last two domestic outings have had to come from behind to win after conceding first to both Livingston and St Mirren. Despite Celtic’s defensive fragilities garnering much of the concern of the Celtic fans, their attacking arsenal has made sure they have only dropped two points so far this season. With only one point separating Celtic and Rangers, with Lennon’s side having a game in hand, Sundays match against Hibs will set the tone for the title race this season.
James Forrest is unlikely to feature against Hibs as he suffered bone bruising against Riga on Thursday night. Christopher Jullien is also expected to miss the game on Sunday as he continues to recover from a back injury. Scott Allan will be missing for the visitors as the club explore a health issue affecting the player, while Jamie Murphy will return to the Hibs squad after sitting out the game against parent club Rangers last Sunday.
Hibs great 2020 season
Hibs have had a record-breaking start to their 2020/21 season, the best seen by a Hibs side in over 20 years. Hibs have won four consecutive away matches and have only suffered one defeat in their opening eight games. However, Hibs have failed to win at Celtic Park for over a decade, with Jack Ross budding to become only the sixth Hibs manager to beat Celtic at home. Undeterred by this statistic, Hibs will be full of confidence when they take on Celtic.
Hibs’ attacking prowess is clear to anyone who has seen Jack Ross’ side play, with the forward duo of Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet causing havoc with the Rangers defence in the 2-2 draw at Easter Road last Sunday. Australian international Martin Boyle has had a fine start to the season with Hibs and will look to continue this into the game on Sunday. Not only have Hibs’ forwards impressed so far this season but their defence has as well, with notable stand outs like young full back Josh Doig and centre back Ryan Porteous. With Hibs in such fine form and Celtic looking to summit the table, Sunday’s clash will not be one to be missed.
Predictions
Despite Hibs fine start to the season, Celtic will continue to do what they always do when the pressure is on them, and that is grind out results. This will be by no means easy and Hibs will look take advantage of Celtics fragile defence.
As Forrest is missing, Ryan Christie will be the key creative influence to break down Hibs and feed the ball to Albian Ajeti and Odsonne Edouard who are predicted to start up top together. Ajeti looks good for scoring at any time and Celtic will look to win the game 2-1 in a hotly contested but tight affair. Hibs to score first may be a good move as Celtic have conceded first in their last two matches.
Team News
🆕 Good afternoon, Hibees!
📋 Jack Ross has named his starting line-up for today's Premiership head to head with Celtic.
🍕 Delivered by @VittoriaEd. pic.twitter.com/upffnIYtWi
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) September 27, 2020
