Hoops' Hard Hibs Hurdle Ahead

Hoops' Hard Hibs Hurdle Ahead
~~~~~~~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~~~~~~~


Defender Auston Trusty in action against Hibernian in the 3-0 win, back in December


Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh
Saturday, 22 February 2025
12.30 GMT

The Hoops return to Premiership duty this weekend, when they traverse to the Capital to take on 5th placed Hibernian at Easter Road.

Brendan Rodgers' side demonstrated real fortitude, skill and maturity against Bayern Munich earlier this week, when they came agonizingly close to a first win against the Bavarian powerhouse - and what would've been a first win on German soil in any UEFA competition, only for the hosts to equalize with virtually the last touch of the ball, to finish 1-1.

It was a performance that the squad will have learned a lot from for the future, and one that left the entire Celtic support with genuine pride for the team's efforts.

The Hoops can now concentrate entirely on domestic matters now, as they close in on a 4th straight League triumph and require a maximum of just 8 more wins before they can secure the title and get their hands on the silverware, once again.

However Celtic cannot afford any complacency and certainly cannot allow for any European hangover, when they take to the Easter Road pitch against Hibs, despite having already defeated them three times previously this season - twice in the League as well as in the League Cup.

And if that were not enough, these two sides are destined to square off again next month in the Scottish Cup. So, not only does this match offer an insight as to just how much the Hibees have progressed, but both sides will want to lay a marker down with that match in mind also.


Nicholas Kuhn has already notched 2 goals & 2 assists against Hibernian this season

The Edinburgh outfit have undergone a remarkable resurgence since their early season form left them struggling and deeply mired in what seemed destined to be a likely relegation dogfight. Indeed, when these sides last met, Celtic's 3-0 win back in December left Hibs sitting bottom of the League ladder.

Credit to David Gray and his men however. Not only have they transformed their form and fortunes over the past few months, they are now sitting in the top half and that momentum seems to be directed further up the table, rather than glancing nervously down at the scramble below.

Indeed, they have lost just once in their past 15 games overall (13LG 2 SC), with that sole loss being that previously mentioned defeat by the Hoops in December, and the hosts have remained unbeaten ever since then, including 6 wins and 4 draws in the past 10 League games.

That tenacity and resillience saw them once again battle to a commendable 0-0 draw away at St Mirren to maintain that undefeated run - especially after the Capital side were reduced to 10 men.

When you take into account Celtic's hectic schedule, the exertions in midweek, Brendan Rodgers' previous struggles at Easter Road, the hosts resurgence and confidence, this could be quite the tricky test for the Celts, as they look to take another step closer to the title.


Midfielder Arne Engels in action during the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in midweek

Stats & Facts​

• Celtic are currently on an undefeated run at home across all domestic opposition that extends back to last December.

• Since Hibs won promotion back to the Premiership in 2017, the Bhoys have won 14 of the past 26 meetings overall between these sides (P26 W14 D9 L3).

• Easter Road has often proved to be a tricky 'Away' day for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers overall, but is now looking for a 3rd straight win in as many visits (P6 W2 D2 L2).

• Since the last time these sides met, Hlbernian have been on a 12 match unbeaten run, across 10 League & 2 Cup matches combined (W8 D4 L0).

• The Edinburgh club are also undefeated at 'Home' this season when they have scored first across all competitions (W7 D3 L0).

Daizen Maeda scored twice in the 3-1 League Cup win when these sides met in August

Team News

Brendan Rodgers should have plenty of options to choose from, given that only Paulo Bernardo (ankle) remains sidelined, while James Forrest nears a return to first team action, having been out since the League Cup Final in December.

Considering the exertions that were required during the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in midweek coupled with the travel and turnaround time, the manager could make a number of changes to freshen up the team, meaning potentially the likes of Greg Taylor, Luke McCowan and Adam Idah could be included in the starting XI.

As for the hosts, Elie Youan (foot), Joe Newell (groin) and Marvin Ekpiteta (thigh) remain sidelined, while Kwon Hyeok-kyu will also be required to sit out, as the South Korean midfielder is on loan and cannot play against his parent club, and the man who was likely to replace him in the midfield, Alasana Mannah, will also now miss this game after his red card against St Mirren, last weekend.

Referee: Steven McLean

Having made his top flight debut in 2008, McLean is currently the most experienced active referee involved at this level, with 254 Premiership games to his name. This will be just the 2nd time that the Hoops will cross paths with McLean this season, after the 4-1 win against Hearts, back in November.

Celtic Overall Record
M:42 W:32 D:5 L:5

VAR: Alan Muir


~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P:324 W:187 D:82 L:55​

Last 5 Meetings
W W W W W

~~~~ 2024/25 Form ~~~~

All Comps
D W L W W~ D W W D W

SPFL
W W W D W ~ D W D W D​