Saturday 21th October 2017 Kickoff:1215hrs Celtic v Hibernian Football – Scotland – Scottish League Cup These two met only three weeks ago in the league in a meeting that was arguably the match of the season in Scotland thus far. The spoils were shared on that occasion but that cannot be the case at Hampden on Saturday as Celtic and Hibernian face to become the first team to reach the Scottish League Cup final next month. Celtic are the reigning holders of the trophy, of course, and will be making their first return to the national stadium since clinching the last leg of the treble back in May – can Hibs pull of a surprise?
The games continue to come thick and fast for Celtic who have very little time to get over their 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. It was further evidence of just how far the Hoops have to go to reach anything like the elite level in European football but that will come as little surprise to anyone associated with the club. Attention now switches to domestic matters and another hurdle in their attempt to retain the League Cup. It’s been extremely straightforward to reach this stage with a 5-0 win over Kilmarnock at home and then a 4-0 victory away to Dundee last month. The league match against Hibs a few weeks ago is certainly an indication that they can expect a tougher examination on Saturday, particularly as they will face several former players with points to prove and their former manager, Neil Lennon.
They may not have won too many games of late, which will be frustrating for Lennon, but Hibs are approaching this game with some confidence. The Edinburgh based club have acquitted themselves well since winning the Championship and having already won at Ibrox and gained the draw at Celtic Park, the players know they are capable of causing Brendan Rodgers’ men problems. Their route to the semi-finals started much earlier than Celtic’s as they were involved in the initial group stage which see them qualify for the knockout phase. Hibs have since faced lower league opposition in all of the rounds since, and all those games have been at their home of Easter Road. Ayr United were thumped 5-0 but Hibs had more trouble overcoming Livingston in the previous round, prevailing 3-2 in the end. Although drawing Celtic at the semi-final stage probably wouldn’t be their first choice, they would likely have had to played them at some stage in order to win it and will be out to cause a shock.
Celtic v Hibernian Betting Tip
Hibs were left frustrated as they were unable to see out the game at Celtic Park having led 2-1 and much the better team in the second half that day. It’s a game that Lennon and his players will not only take plenty from but also learn a huge amount. Celtic not only have to contend with the pressure of being favourites in a semi final of the cup, but it also come on a short turnaround from their match in Munich. They’ve drawn both games in the league the weekend after returning from away games in the Champions League, and tiredness is likely to be an issue. That may see Rodgers freshen things up and make changes to his starting eleven.
If we get a similar game to the league mach these two played out then we’re in for a cracker. Hibs will know they can cause the holders problems and will look to get at them early doors. Celtic may have to build themselves into the game and hope they weather any early storm, but they have a greater amount of quality than their opponents and have proven time and time again they have the mentality for these big domestic occasions. It may be a struggle but Celtic can edge an entertaining game.
Celtic to win and both teams to score 15/8 @ Bet365
