Hibernian vs Celtic – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Hibernian and Celtic go head-to-head in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Both sides will be searching for a crucial three points in a high-stakes encounter at Easter Road, with the hosts looking to solidify their top four standing while the visitors are aiming to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.

Hibernian vs Celtic – Match preview and team news

Hibernian team news

Hibernian boss David Gray will be forced into a defensive reshuffle for the visit of the champions, with captain Grant Hanley suspended following his red card in the midweek defeat to Motherwell. The veteran defender’s absence is a significant blow, likely seeing Warren O’Hora partner Rocky Bushiri and Jack Iredale in a back three.

Injuries also continue to plague the Easter Road side. Midfield duo Alasana Manneh and Josh Campbell remain major doubts with hamstring and toe injuries respectively, while young playmaker Rudi Allan Molotnikov is definitely out until early December with an ankle problem. However, there is positive news in attack, where Martin Boyle, Jamie McGrath, and Kieron Bowie—who have been pivotal to Hibs’ rise to third this season—are all fit and expected to start.

Celtic team news

For Celtic, the treatment room remains busy for interim manager Martin O’Neill. The Hoops are without defensive lynchpin Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has been ruled out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury. Full-back Alistair Johnston is also sidelined until March, while fan-favourite Jota, who recently returned to the club, is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

Despite these absentees, Celtic have been boosted by the return of Kieran Tierney, who is expected to start at left-back in a star-studded defence that also includes American international Auston Trusty. Up front, Japanese forward Daizen Maeda is in good form, having registered two assists in the impressive 3-1 Europa League victory over Feyenoord on Thursday.

Form

Hibernian

David Gray’s side have enjoyed a resurgence this campaign, sitting inside the top four in the Premiership table. However, their momentum was stalled on Wednesday night with a disappointing 2-0 loss away to Motherwell. Hibs managed just 30% possession and two shots in that fixture, a performance Gray described as concerning.

Celtic

The champions arrive in the capital in a buoyant mood. Under the temporary stewardship of club legend Martin O’Neill, Celtic have stabilised after a rocky start, winning five of their last six games. Thursday’s 3-1 triumph over Feyenoord in Rotterdam was a particular highlight, showcasing a defensive resilience and counter-attacking lethality that had been missing earlier in the season.

Domestically, they remain in second place, four points behind surprise leaders Hearts. With rumours swirling that Wilfried Nancy is set to be appointed as permanent manager in the coming days, the players will be keen to give O’Neill a fitting send-off if this proves to be his final game in charge.

Predicted lineups

Hibernian: Sallinger; O’Hora, Kiranga, Iredale; C Cadden, Mulligan, Barlaser, N Cadden; McGrath; Bowie, Boyle

Celtic: Schmeichel; Donovan, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; McCowan, Maeda, Hyun-Jun

How to watch Hibernian vs Celtic?

UK fans can watch the game live on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event.

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