Celtic v Hibs: Team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch | OneFootball

Celtic face Hibernian this afternoon as Brendan Rodgers side return to Paradise. The Scottish Champions have not been at Celtic Park since the win over Livingston back in August…

Celtic Park. Celtic v Livingston, 23 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Since then, the club have exited the UEFA Champions League, failing to do enough business in the transfer window, kicked off their Europa League campaign and booked a place in the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final against theRangers.

Celtic Director Brian Wilson with CEO Michael Nicholson at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

The sequence of events in August have influenced supporters to protest the club’s current direction under Michael Nicholson. Whilst the Celtic CEO has appeared to recognise the issues, the statement that the club put out only aggravated issues. In any case, the team will require support today as Brendan’s side look to get three points against the visitors from Leith.

Celtic Team News

Celtic remain without Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston, with the pair working back from their injuries. Jota remains a long-term absence. Tony Ralston is back in contention but he will struggle to displace Colby Donovan from the backline. The manager confirmed that Reo Hatate is a doubt for the game, which will offer more game time for others in the squad.

Reo Hatate in action. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Kasper Schmeichel will continue in goals. In defence, expect an unchanged backline with Colby Donovan continuing at right back with KT at left back. There is an argument that Marcelo Saracchi could started especially with the midweek game against Braga and the same goes at right back with Tony Ralston now available after injury.  Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales will continue as the central pairing. CCV seemed to take a knock in Belgrade but the manager didn’t flag him up as a doubt at yesterday’s media conference, attended by The Celtic Star.

In midfield, Callum McGregor will start with Benji Nygren. Given that Reo is likely to sit this one out, any of Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo could come in. The Portuguese U21 skipper has struggled for game time this season with fans wondering why. Hopefully he can get some minutes in his legs as there’s definitely a talent there.

Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic.Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

In attack, Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to start through the middle. Yesterday at Lennoxtown he told The Celtic Star just how much he was looking forward to making his home debut for Celtic.  Nigerian attacker has impressed since signing from Sevilla. James Forrest and Seb Tounekti are expected to start out wide.

Predicted Celtic starting XI: Schmeichel; Donovan, Scales, Carter-Vickers, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Forrest, Iheanacho and Tounekti.

Match Officials

Don Robertson will once again referee the clash. Robertson will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Chris Rae.

Meanwhile at Clydesdale House, experienced referee Steven McLean is on VAR duties. McLean will be assisted by Graeme Leslie.

Kick Off Time

The game kicks off at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon(Celtic Park Time). What a great time for a game of football!

Where to Watch

Anthony Ralston of Celtic substituted for Colby Donovan of Celtic. Celtic v Livingston, William Hill Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, UK – 23 August 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The game will not be shown on TV. However, Celtic TV subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland will be able to catch the action on the club’s streaming service. Catch the highlights on Sportscene and hopefully the editing team at Celtic TV will be extremely busy working on their Unique Angle.

Readers of The Celtic Star and indeed all Celtic supporters joining the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and paying by direct debit will be able to claim a FREE stadium tour worth £18.50.  This promotion will run from now until the 20th October 2025. Click on image to join.

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.