High-flying Celtic are on course to clinch a ‘domestic treble’ with a win against Hearts in the Scottish Cup quarterfinal. They have already conquered the League Cup crown and the winning streak must continue on Saturday afternoon against Hibernian.
A victory at Parkhead would see the Hoops maintain a comprehensive lead at the top of the Premiership standings. They have already secured two thumping wins against Hibs earlier this campaign and the gaffer Ange Postecoglou should demand a similar show from his men before entering the international break.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
Despite being vulnerable at times, Joe Hart is irreplaceable for his experience and expertise between the sticks. Scott Bain, Benjamin Siegrist and Conor Hazard are not in the manager’s first-team plan for the time being.
Carl starfelt picked up an injury last weekend, and therefore, might not be risked in the upcoming contest. Yuki Kobayashi is likely to get the nod and partner with Cameron Carter-Vickers in the heart of the backline. Alistair Johnston should keep his place down the right, and so is Greg Taylor on the left ahead of Anthony Ralston and Alexandro Bernabei respectively. Outcast Stephen Welsh needs to find a new club in the summer window to get his career back on track with regular gametime.
Midfield
Veteran Aaron Mooy is in red-hot form as his box-to-box movements, vision, goal-scoring attribute and down-the-middle runs would help the Celts dominate space and possession. Reo Hatate must exhibit his energy, swift skills and link-up play as a ‘number 8’ and the midfield pair would be orchestrated by skipper Callum McGregor from his trademark deep-lying playmaking role. Tomoki Iwata, Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull could get involved as second-half substitutes.
Attack
Daizen Maeda missed the Cup tie due to fitness reasons and it remains to be seen whether the Aussie boss brings him back in the starting XI if declared fit before the weekend encounter. James Forrest scored a hat-trick in their 6-1 win back in October. However, the Scotsman is sidelined for the next few weeks with a muscle strain.
Yet the Bhoys are well equipped high up the pitch with Filipe Jota and Liel Abada likely to feature from the flanks. Marksman Kyogo Furuhashi should spearhead the attack after finding the net against Hearts on back-to-back occasions. Sead Haksabanovic and Oh Hyeon-Gyu must stay patient and wait for their opportunities in the attacking third.
