Hibs vs Celtic – Can the Hibees cause an upset?

Hibs play host to the champions this Saturday afternoon in the William Hill Scottish Premiership. 

David Gray’s men will be hoping to keep their impressive 12-match unbeaten run going at the expense of Celtic, who suffered an agonising late loss to Bayern in Munich midweek. 

The capital side have turned their season around over the previous few months with their last loss coming against tomorrow’s opponents in Glasgow at the beginning of December. 

Against the Hoops, Hibs’ form certainly has not been the best, winning only 1 of their last 10 meetings. That win came all the way back in May 2023 when the Easter Road side ran out 4-2 winners under manager Lee Johnson. 

TEAM NEWS 

David Gray has confirmed that club captain Joe Newell and Marvin Ekpiteta are available for the squad tomorrow afternoon. Newell has been out since he limped off against Kilmarnock at Easter Road all the way back at the end of December. Ekpiteta has been missing for an even longer period, suffering from a thigh injury since the middle of November. 

Saturday’s match comes too soon for forward Elie Youan, with the Frenchman only just returning to team training. Alasana Manneh is suspended for the match due to his red card last Sunday against St Mirren, whilst Hyeok-kyu Kwon is ineligible to face his parent club. 

Celtic will be without James Forrest and Paulo Bernardo who are both suffering from injuries. 

KEY BATTLES 

Rocky Bushiri vs Adam Idah 

The Belgian has been in great form for the Hibees ever since he returned to the squad at the start of this 12-match unbeaten run. Winning man of the match last week against St Mirren, Rocky showed his all-round grit and determination, whilst also excelling in a more physical game against Stephen Robinson’s men. 

Up against Idah (expected to start), this will prove to be an interesting clash. The Irishman scored two penalties at Easter Road last season, with one coming in the 92ndminute to give Brendan Rodgers’ side the all-important three points. 

Josh Campbell vs Callum McGregor 

Like Rocky, Josh Campbell is a player that came back into this Hibs and has found his role in behind the strikers. Despite this, the boyhood Hibee has come under criticism for his performances in previous weeks and will be hoping to help his side record what would be a massive win on Saturday. 

Celtic captain McGregor has proven incredibly influential for the Glasgow side this season after adding goals into his game, with one coming in the first league game this season at Easter Road, when Celtic walked out comfortable winners.  

A notable distinction from the matches between the sides last season was the fact former manager Nick Montgomery instructed his side to man mark McGregor out of the game. If Gray decides to go down a similar route and Campbell is given that role on Saturday afternoon, it could prove to be key for Hibs to get a result. 

Tickets are still available for the match on Hibs’ ticketing site or you can catch the game live on Sky Sports for a 12.30 kick off, as David Gray’s men look to record a huge win against the champions. 

(Featured Image Credit – Sky Sports)