Celtic started their European journey back in July with the Champions League qualifiers but are now knocked out from the Conference League following a humiliating defeat against Norwegian outfit FK Bodø/Glimt. However, they are still leading the Premiership race and the winning streak must continue on Sunday lunchtime when they would travel to Easter Road to lock horns with Hibernian.
Hibs have failed to grab a result against the Hoops so far this season including the League Cup final. Having said that, they are fourth in the Premiership standings (jointly with Motherwell and Dundee United, only ahead on goal difference) and a result this weekend might help them keep their European hopes alive for the 2022-23 campaign.
Predicted 4-3-3 Celtic Lineup To Face Hibernian
Defence
Joe Hart had a tough time in Norway as he ended up conceding twice in spite of making a few key saves. But his presence between the sticks has indeed restored stability after a disastrous 2021-22 season.
Ange Postecoglou made a few changes across the backline on Thursday night. Only Carl Starfelt is likely to keep his place in the heart of the backline, however, Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to return replacing Stephen Welsh. Right fullback Josip Juranovic should get the nod ahead of Anthony Ralston, whereas Liam Scales might make way for Greg Taylor down the left-hand side.
Midfield
Skipper Callum McGregor would return to the starting XI to dictate the midfield game from his usual deep-lying role in the centre of the pitch. Tom Rogic must offer his creative spark with box-to-box movements and Reo Hatate, with all the hard work and vision, should get the preference over Matt O’Riley, James McCarthy, Nir Bitton or Yosuke Ideguchi. David Turnbull is still recovering from a hamstring strain but might return to action within the next couple of weeks.
Attack
Celtic have ample options high up the pitch despite injuries to Michael Johnston and Kyogo Furuhashi. Albian Ajeti is sidelined as well with a hamstring strain, but the gaffer has Giorgos Giakoumakis among attacking alternatives who ensured all three points against Dundee by firing in a perfect hat-trick. The Greek centre-forward should lead the line, but the wing-play of Liel Abada and Filipe Jota would be key in terms of cut insides, crosses and link-up play using the width of the pitch. Veteran James Forrest and hitman Daizen Maeda might get introduced at a later stage to make an impact from the bench.
