Saturday 26th January 2018 Kick off 1500hrs Celtic v Hibernian Football – Scotland – Scottish Premiership Even though we’re still in January, this will be the fourth meeting between Celtic and Hibs this season and if the previous three are anything to go by then we can expect plenty of entertainment. Both clubs are coming off the back of hard fought wins in midweek and will be looking to back that up with another three points on Saturday. The previous two league meetings have both ended in draws Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon will be well aware of the threat their opponents carry and the countrymen will be going all out to get one over on each other.
Celtic had to come from behind to see off a stubborn, and threatening, Partick Thistle on Tuesday night with goals from Scott Sinclair and Leigh Griffiths proving the difference. It may not have been as comfortable as Rodgers would have hoped just out the winter break but it may be the best type of game for them with so many challenges lying ahead, both at home and in Europe. The victory maintains their 11 point lead at the top of the table and keeps them on track for a seventh straight title. More pressing matters for Celtic are around the January transfer window, however, and how the squad will look come February 1st. Much of the attention has focused on Moussa Dembele who has been left out the team of later as speculation grows he may well be exiting Celtic Park in the next few days. It would no doubt be a blow considering his talent but Rodgers has confirmed he is only looking to add players to his pool rather than see them leave. Nevertheless, it promises to be an interesting next week or so in the East End of Glasgow.
All good things come to an end, so they say, and for Hibs that was last Sunday when their unbeaten run in the Edinburgh derby came to an end. Hearts edged their rivals 1-0 at Tynecastle to book a place in the next round of the Scottish Cup but as ever, there was little to choose between the teams. The rivalry never ended when the final whistle blew, though, as Neil Lennon and Craig Levein exchanged comments post match – the next derby should be that bit feistier as a result. Back to footballing matters and the Hibees got back to winning ways at the first time of asking with a narrow 1-0 win over Dundee. It keeps them on the coattails of Aberdeen and Rangers with the gap down to five points over both. Lennon is known to be very ambitious as a manager and although it looks a tall ask he will still be aiming for that second spot, which is pretty remarkable as this is Hibs first time in the top flight since 2014. Lennon has also had to contend with off the field issues as star man Anthony Stokes is rumoured to have played his last game for the club following another disciplinary matter. His quality is there for all to see but his attitude is also very apparent.
Celtic v Hibs Betting Tip
Both league games between Celtic and Hibs this term have ended 2-2 and have been up there with the best this league has had to offer so far this season. Celtic triumphed 4-2 in the semi final of the League Cup back in October but despite losing on that occasion, it was further proof that Hibs can more than trouble the champions and have found a lot of joy in their encounters. The entertainment produced should not be a surprise as the two managers are known for wanting their teams to play attacking football and have some very gifted players from midfield forward. The starting line-ups for the two teams will be interesting to see with all the off the field issues but no matter the personnel you know both sets of players will be going all out to win the match.
Celtic have looked more vulnerable this season compared to last and there is a number of reasons as to why that’s the case, the four home draws illustrate just that. Hibs, on the other hand, have definitely added to the league since being promoted and with only one defeat on the road they will be travelling to Glasgow full of confidence they can get another positive result. Celtic may have only conceded seven home goals in the league this season but they have not been sound defensively and teams do create chances against them – Hibs will certainly do just that. I think we take recent history as our guide for this game and go with a bet that has been up on all three meetings this season. Three or more goals scored and both teams to score.
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score 7/5 @ William Hill
