Celtic’s European odyssey needed a Norwegian intervention in Germany on Thursday to continue into the New Year and Brendan Rodgers and his men will be grateful that they can now concentrate on domestic matters for the next couple of months after a disappointing home defeat by Red Bull Salzburg, who gave the Scottish champions a footballing lesson. Will that Celtic Park loss have repercussions at Easter Road this Sunday against a Hibernian side coached by former Parkhead legend Neil Lennon?
Hibernian Form
Hibs’ victory at Hamilton last weekend was their first in six Premiership games – their last came against the same opposition – and they will need Celtic to underperform to take anything out of this fixture. Lennon is missing several key players at present – including Paul Hanlon and Marvin Bartley – and may turn to youth to hunt down the champions, who may be a little weary following their exploits on Thursday. It would be a massive boost should captain David Gray be fit to return after two months of inaction, though a place on the bench is a more likely scenario.
Celtic Form
The Hoops’ may have struggled in Europe but have, at least, reached the knockout stages of the Europa League and they have been almost unstoppable in domestic football, being undefeated since their loss against Hibs’ city rivals Hearts early in August and winning the League Cup again earlier this month. They’ve scored at least once in their last six matches in all competitions and kept seven clean sheets in their last 11 games to regain top spot. However, they could be without Mikael Lustig and Ryan Christie at Easter Road with Leigh Griffiths taking time out of football to address personal issues. Dedryck Boyata, Eboue Kouassi, Daniel Arzani and Nir Bitton are also likely to miss out.
Hibernian v Celtic Head-to-Heads
Celtic won 4-2 when the teams met in Glasgow earlier this season and the last six matches between the sides have produced a total of 24 goals. Hibs, however, have failed to find the net in three of those last six and they’ve not beaten the champions for six years, losing 24 of their 30 previous meetings in the Premiership (Premier League).
Hibernian v Celtic Current Match Odds
Hibernian 23/4, Draw 17/5, Celtic 8/15 (Odds correct at 10.30am December 14)
Hibernian v Celtic
A first defeat in 11 on Thursday is unlikely to check Celtic’s momentum in the Premiership. Their midfield has been dominating sides at home and remains largely intact – they could give Hibs, likely to field an inexperienced line-up, the runaround if they are on their game. The home side have been largely goal-shy so this should be a comfortable away win. Celtic are 6/4 with BetVictor, among others, to Win To Nil with the same bookmaker offering 13/2 for a 0-2 Correct Score.
