Celtic will travel to Easter Road to take on Hibernian FC to consolidate their place on the top of the Premiership table. However, Neil Lennon’s side can be a tough nut to crack, and they would be well rested and prepared for this tie whereas the Hoops played a tough Thursday game against Austrian champions RB Salzburg.
The Hibs have struggled this season when they were expected to improve further from last year. However, they have it in them to pull off an upset, and one can expect a close encounter on Sunday.
Team news
Mikael Lustig had an awkward fall and suffered a concussion. Therefore, he could be rested for this game. Ryan Christie also came down with an ankle injury midweek, and he is also set to be out. Dedryck Boyata is still reeling from his hamstring injury. Kristoffer Ajer has recovered from his facial surgery. Leigh Griffiths is also unavailable as he has decided to take some time off football.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Hibernian FC
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Craig Gordon made a howler in the last game but also rescued his side on various occasions. He is once again set to start in goal. Filip Benkovic has been a rock at the back, and the Croatian is again going to be in his usual centre-half position. He is likely to be partnered by fellow countryman Jozo Simunovic. Kristoffer Ajer filled in the right back spot when Lustig went out in the last game, and we expect him to do that job once again as he is a much better option than Cristian Gamboa. Kieran Tierney is likely to keep his place in the left back position.
Midfield
The duo of Scott Brown and Olivier Ntcham could be back for this tie after a long time. Both of them came off the bench in the last game and should be relatively fresh to take on the Hibs. Ntcham is expected to start in a more attacking role whereas Brown would usually sit back and play as a defensive midfielder.
Callum McGregor could be rested as he has played the most number of games this season for the Hoops. Scott Sinclair should start down the left. Tom Rogic is likely to be in his usual attacking midfield role. Inform James Forrest is expected to start from the right flank and he is going to be the primary threat to the Hibs’ defence.
Attack
With no alternatives currently available, Odsonne Edouard is set to lead the line again for the Hoops.
