This is a season to forget for Celtic as they not only failed to achieve the ‘ten in a row’ mission but are also ending the spell without silverware. Rangers are set to hold their title celebration having conquered the coveted crown weeks ago whereas the Hoops, with little to play for in the final fixture, must aim for a positive outcome against Hibernian on Saturday lunchtime.
Celtic clinched a commanding 4-0 midweek win versus St. Johnstone, but the trip to Edinburgh might prove tricky considering Hibs’ stunning uprise under Jack Ross. They have secured a third-place finish and are now gearing up for next weekend’s Scottish Cup final against the Saints. The Bhoys have struggled time and again in their previous meetings and must overcome the threat of Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge in the defensive third.
Predicted 4-1-4-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
Vasilis Barkas returned between the sticks amid Scott Bain’s injury and the dismal summer signing might once again get the nod, particularly after grabbing the cleansheet against St. Johnstone.
Options are limited in the heart of the backline with Shane Duffy back at Brighton after failing to impress on loan. Also, injuries to Nir Bitton and Christopher Jullien leave Celtic with Stephen Welsh and Kristoffer Ajer as the available central defensive options. Jonjoe Kenny, the Everton loanee, must keep hold of his place down the right, but the gaffer must bring back Greg Taylor even though teenager Adam Montgomery had an exquisite debut as a left fullback.
Midfield
Skipper Scott Brown had his final Parkhead appearance already on Wednesday night and the veteran Scotsman is likely to lead the Hoops for one final time before leaving for Aberdeen.
Callum McGregor is available again after serving the suspension and should feature in central midfield in order to operate as the chief ball carrier. He would go deep to act as a double pivot alongside Brown and make the runs to create chances in the attacking third. David Turnbull has been a revelation and his presence as a midfield attacker offers a creative outlet from the middle of the park. James Forrest and Mohamed Elyounoussi must retain their place down the wide with Ryan Christie set to make way if McGregor is reintegrated in the starting XI.
Attack
Odsonne Edouard is the top scorer of the league (with 18 goals, four more than Nisbet) and must look to add more to his name to stretch the scoring streak to three games. Leigh Griffiths, Karamoko Dembele and Albian Ajeti might get involved at some stage depending upon the game’s status.
