Celtic’s sheer dominance in Scottish football continues this season too following last term’s unbeaten domestic ‘treble’ triumph as they are on the verge of winning seventh successive Premiership title ahead of Saturday’s encounter against Hibernian at Easter Road stadium. Newly promoted Hibs are having an incredible campaign under former Celtic boss Neil Lennon who has kept his side in contention of a Europa League qualification spot but need to script a win against heavyweights Celtic to challenge both Rangers and Aberdeen for a runners-up place.
The Hoops clinched a sensational 4-0 win last week against age-old rivals Rangers to make it to the final of the Scottish Cup and are now eyeing a victory tomorrow to ensure yet another Premiership silverware under Brendan Rodgers.
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Celtic do not have major injury absentees barring Jonny Hayes with broken leg along with Nir Bitton who is also ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Rodgers has experimented a lot with formations mostly to deal with the injury concerns. He has often lined up his men in a 4-2-3-1 setup but preferred a ‘back three’ at times as well. The Northern Irishman, however, is expected to retain a four-man backline against the Hibs and unlikely to experiment much with his starting lineup in order to ensure the league title.
Goalkeeper
Although Scott Bain has been impressive in limited opportunities, the return of veteran Craig Gordon has forced him to sacrifice the starting slot and the 35-year-old Scottish international is likely to retain his place between the sticks following a comprehensive display against the Light Blues in last weekend’s Old Firm derby.
Defence
Mikael Lustig will continue to feature in his right-back slot whereas young sensation Kieran Tierney will be occupying the opposite flank. The Hoops, however, have a plenty of central defensive options available but teenager Kristoffer Ajer and Belgian international Dedryck Boyata are likely to be preferred ahead of Jack Hendry, Marvin Compper and Jozo Simunovic in the heart of Celtic’s backline.
Midfield
Rodgers will be having a selection dilemma while choosing his midfield options versus the Hibs. Scott Brown will retain his place in a destructive midfield role, however, Olivier Ntcham might be replaced by Stuart Armstrong despite his stupendous display against Rangers. Patrick Roberts, the Manchester City loanee, might have a nod from the start in place of James Forrest down the right flank whereas Callum McGregor is likely to be operated in an attacking midfield role ahead of Tom Rogic. Scott Sinclair has lost his first-team place lately but might return to action on the left wing against Neil Lennon’s Hibernian.
Attack
The Parkhead outfit have three centre-forwards in their senior squad but in-form Moussa Dembele is likely to be handed a start once again ahead of PSG loanee Odonne Edouard and Scotsman Leigh Griffiths who has recently returned to action from his long-term calf injury.
