Hibernian welcome Celtic to Easter Road on Sunday in a Premier League meeting that carries real weight at both ends of the table. With the season entering its final stretch, the game comes with Celtic still chasing momentum and Hibs trying to hang on after a mixed run.
The recent head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue. Hibs have already beaten Celtic twice last year, including a 2-1 win in Glasgow in February, so this is not a game the visitors can approach lightly.
why does it matter
For Celtic, it’s all about keeping their campaign on track after a brief lapse in form. They have responded to that setback with three league wins in a row, but Easter Road is a different test, especially against a side who have shown they can frustrate them.
For Hibernian, the game is a chance to reset after back-to-back defeats and protect the progress they made with an emphatic home win over Kilmarnock. A positive result against Celtic would not only boost morale but also underline that their best performances still hold their own against the strongest teams in the division.
Image of the form
Hibernian’s recent league form has been patchy. They followed a 3-0 home win over Kilmarnock with defeats to Hearts and Aberdeen, and had previously drawn back-to-back goalless games against Motherwell and Livingston.
This pattern suggests a side capable of organization and difficult to break down, but who have struggled for consistency in the final third. The clean sheets were encouraging but recent losses have exposed how quickly games can slip away when Hibs fall behind.
Celtic’s form has been stronger overall, although not entirely flawless. Their only recent league defeat came at Dundee United, but they have otherwise put together a string of wins against Motherwell, Dundee, St. Mirren and Falkirk.
The key difference is that Celtic have continued to find ways to win even when not at their most fluid. This resilience has kept them moving and gives them a distinct advantage in terms of momentum for this journey.
key plot
The main tactical question is whether Hibernian can disrupt Celtic’s rhythm again. Hibs have tended to line up in a 3-4-1-2, which gives them numbers in the middle and allows them to stay compact without completely surrendering their attacking intent.
Celtic, by contrast, have recently used a 4-2-3-1 shape that offers width, control and a strong central base through Callum McGregor. If they can move Hibs and pin them back, they should be able to dictate the territory for long periods.
Team news
Hibernian are without Munashe Garananga, which reduces their defensive options somewhat. Their recent selections suggest a back three of Raphael Sallinger, Rocky Bushiri and Warren O’Hora, with Jordan Obita and Nicky Cadden likely to provide the width from deeper areas.
Further forward, Jamie McGrath and Martin Boyle look set to support Owen Elding, giving Hibs pace and direct running in transition. That front line will need to be sharp, because Hibs haven’t been scoring freely in recent weeks.
Celtic are missing Julián Araujo with a hamstring injury, but their recent line-ups suggest little need for major structural changes. Viljami Sinisalo is expected to continue in goal, with Anthony Ralston, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney and Liam Scales forming the backline.
In midfield, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren and Callum McGregor provide control, while Hyun-jun Yang, James Forrest and Daizen Maeda give Celtic pace and movement in the attacking third. That balance points to a team built to dominate possession and press Hibs back early.
Tactical battle
The decisive area is likely to be the space between Hibs’ midfield line and Celtic’s forwards. If Hibernian can keep this area full and deny McGregor time on the ball, it can make the game more awkward than Celtic would like.
At the other end, Celtic’s full-backs and wide forwards will look to stretch Hibs’ back three and create openings for Maeda and Forrest. If Hibs are forced too deep, the pressure could become relentless.
Recent Meetings
Recent meetings have been competitive and often tight, with both sides winning twice in the last five meetings and drawing one. Highlights include Hibs’ 2-1 win in Glasgow in February, but Celtic also won the reverse fixture at Easter Road in November.
Journalist’s opinion
It looks like a game where Celtic should have more of the ball and more control, but Hibernian have already shown they can make this game uncomfortable. If Hibs stay disciplined and avoid an early concession, they have enough pace to threaten on the break.
Still, Celtic’s stronger recent form and greater offensive balance make them the most likely to prevail over the 90 minutes. The visitors have been more reliable in turning pressure into results, and that may tell if the game turns into a test of patience.
prediction
Celtic will advance in a competitive competition, with Hibernian likely to make them work hard to get there.
