Hibernian welcome Celtic to Easter Road on Sunday in a Premiership meeting that carries real weight at both ends of the table. With the season entering its final stretch, the game arrives with Celtic still chasing momentum and Hibs trying to steady themselves after a mixed run.
The recent head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue. Hibs have already beaten Celtic twice in the last year, including a 2-1 win in Glasgow in February, so this is not a fixture the visitors can approach lightly.
Why it matters
For Celtic, this is about keeping their campaign on track after a brief wobble in form. They have responded to that setback with three straight league wins, but Easter Road is a different test, especially against a side that has shown it can frustrate them.
For Hibernian, the match is a chance to reset after back-to-back defeats and protect the progress they made with a convincing home win over Kilmarnock. A positive result against Celtic would not only lift morale, it would also underline that their best performances still stand up against the division’s strongest sides.
Form picture
Hibernian’s recent league form has been uneven. They followed a 3-0 home win over Kilmarnock with defeats to Hearts and Aberdeen, and before that had drawn consecutive matches without scoring against Motherwell and Livingston.
That pattern suggests a side capable of being organised and difficult to break down, but one that has struggled for consistency in the final third. The clean sheets were encouraging, yet the recent losses have exposed how quickly games can slip away when Hibs fall behind.
Celtic’s form has been stronger overall, even if not entirely flawless. Their only recent league defeat came away to Dundee United, but they have otherwise put together a run 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 fluent. That resilience has kept them moving, and it gives them a clear edge in terms of momentum heading into this trip.
Key storyline
The main tactical question is whether Hibernian can again disrupt Celtic’s rhythm. Hibs have tended to line up in a 3-4-1-2, which gives them numbers through the middle and allows them to stay compact without completely surrendering 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 around and pin back the wing-backs, they should be able to dictate territory for long spells.
Team news
Hibernian are without Munashe Garananga, which slightly narrows their defensive options. Their recent selections suggest a settled 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 have not been scoring freely in recent weeks.
Celtic are missing Julián Araujo through hamstring injury, but their recent line-ups suggest little need for major structural change. Viljami Sinisalo is expected to continue in goal, with Anthony Ralston, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney and Liam Scales forming the back line.
In midfield, Arne Engels, Benjamin Nygren and Callum McGregor provide the control, while Hyun-jun Yang, James Forrest and Daizen Maeda give Celtic pace and movement in the attacking third. That balance points to a side 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 advanced attackers. If Hibernian can keep that zone crowded and deny McGregor time on the ball, they can make the game more awkward than Celtic would like.
At the other end, Celtic’s full-backs and wide attackers will try 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
The recent meetings have been competitive and often tight, with both sides winning twice in the last five encounters and one draw. Hibs’ 2-1 win in Glasgow in February stands out, but Celtic also won the reverse fixture at Easter Road in November.
Reporter’s view
This feels like a match where Celtic should have more of the ball and more control, but Hibernian have already shown they can make this fixture 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 attacking balance make them the likelier side to impose themselves over 90 minutes. The visitors have been more reliable in turning pressure into results, and that may tell if the game becomes a test of patience.
Prediction
Celtic to edge a competitive contest, with Hibernian likely to make them work hard for it.