Celtic will be back in action this weekend against Hibernian after getting knocked out from the Champions League with two group-stage fixtures remaining. While they still have an outside chance to make it to the Europa League, all focus should shift to the Premiership now as Rangers would challenge them in the title hunt for the rest of the campaign.
Celtic were outplayed at Parkhead on Tuesday night when they hosted RB Leipzig in a decisive European contest. They must show some reaction and regain the fan backing while locking horns with Hibs on Saturday afternoon.
The Edinburgh side enjoyed a four-game winning streak prior to their shocking midweek defeat against bottom-placed Dundee United. However, they already have some big results, including a 2-2 draw versus Rangers, and the Bhoys must perform to their full potential to avoid back-to-back setbacks.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
Joe Hart is not enjoying a great run of form, but the gaffer Ange Postecoglou is likely to rely on him once more rather than deploying summer recruit Benjamin Siegrist between the sticks.
Right fullback Josip Juranovic should keep his place in the defensive third, and so should Greg Taylor down the left even though Alexandro Bernabei was the standout performer against St. Johnstone. Moritz Jenz is expected to be lined up alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Carter-Vickers is currently leading the side with skipper Callum McGregor sidelined for weeks after sustaining a knee injury against RB Leipzig.
Midfield
The Aussie boss has tweaked his formation in McGregor’s absence. He has switched to a ‘double pivot’ with Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate operating from slightly deeper slots. Oliver Abildgaard could have been a like-for-like alternative for the veteran Scotsman in a 4-3-3 setup, but the manager might stick to 4-2-3-1 similar to recent fixtures.
Liel Abada picked up an injury this midweek and is now uncertain ahead of the Hibernian game. Filipe Jota failed a late fitness test on Tuesday and the weekend tie might come too soon for the young Portuguese winger. James Forrest must occupy the right-hand flank given his experience and expertise, also the Parkhead chief should bank on Daizen Maeda down the left despite the Japanese ace’s late struggles. Sead Haksabanovic has been promising so far, but the Montenegro international needs to convert the opportunities while featuring as a midfield attacker.
Attack
Kyogo Furuhashi must spearhead the attack and continue his scoring streak in Scottish football. Giorgos Giakoumakis fired an injury-time winner versus the Saints and is expected to make an appearance as a second-half substitute.
