Hoops' Huge Capital Challenge
~~~~ Official TC Match Preview ~~~~


Juranovic slots home from the spot to secure the 2-0 victory


Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh
Wednesday, 27 October 2021
19.45 BST

The Hoops head to the capital on Wednesday to do battle with Hibs, seeking to maintain their current run of results, after the Bhoys chalked up their 4th consecutive success at the weekend, over St Johnstone.

Coming off the back of three victories in the league, the Hoops will be keen to maintain staying within striking distance of the league leaders, and picking up another three points at Easter Road is crucial in this quest.

But that is easier said than done, as Hibs have a record at home against Celtic which must be the envy of the entire of Scottish Football, as Easter Road has been far from a happy hunting ground in recent seasons.

Since the Edinburgh side regained their Premiership status in 2017, Celtic have not managed to win a single league match there, and the only successes at Easter Road in that time have come in Cup competitions.

In fact, Celtic have not defeated Hibs in the league at Easter Road since January 2014!

Admittedly that includes the three seasons between 2014-17 when Hibs were not in the top flight, but even still, it is a remarkable statistic.


Giorgos Giakoumakis chalked up his first goal on Saturday

So the Bhoys will need to take with them all of the form and composure that they have demonstrated in recent weeks, if they are to add a third consecutive away day success to those they've already claimed, over Aberdeen and Motherwell, earlier this month.

It is clear that there is a surge of confidence just now, that is only natural to expect when picking up results and doing so in relative comfort. And having a squad of players to choose from with added options only helps to aid in this also.

Indeed, the two goalscorers at the weekend are the perfect example of this. It has taken time for Giorgos Giakoumakis to get up to speed, but now that he has done so, was making his first start for the Hoops on Saturday, after a couple of cameo appearances from off of the bench in recent weeks, and Josip Juranovic returned after struggling with a hamstring injury that he had picked up against Dundee United, back in September.

A big part of the recent run of results is that Celtic have been able to string together a series of clean sheets, with Joe Hart having not been beaten since before the last International break.

All of which can only be interpreted as positive and point to things continuing to improve for Ange Postecoglou and his side.


Ange Postecoglou congratulates Joe Hart

And as much as it is important that Celtic seek to stay within striking distance of the league leaders, Jack Ross' men will be hoping that their impressive home record against the Hoops can be a catalyst for them to turn around their own recent poor run of results, after they suffered their third league defeat in as many games.

But Postecoglou is not taking anything for granted, least of which the challenge that the Bhoys will be facing on Wednesday, and remains respectful of all of the teams that are making this season such a fascinating and tight one so far.
​

“It’s my first foray into Easter Road on Wednesday night so I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Are Hearts and Hibs in the title race? I can only go on what’s going on at the moment so I’d have to say, yes. Why not? There is a historical context to these things and a script already written where people assume it will be followed every year.

“But it wasn’t that long ago that Leicester won the Premier League. I always think if you take football for granted or think you know the script, it invariably gives you an almighty slap in the face."

Team News

Ange Postecoglou will have the same squad to pick from as he had at the weekend, with no major fitness concerns coming out of the St Johnstone game, which means that all but Greg Taylor, Christopher Julien and James Forrest should be available and vying for selection, with those three continuing the road to return.

~~~~ Head to Head ~~~~

Overall
P: 312 W: 178 D: 80 L: 54

Away v Hibernian
P: 156 W: 76 D: 44 L: 36

Last 5 Meetings
DDDWW

Away @ Easter Road
DDDDW

~~~~ 2021/22 Form ~~~~

Overall
WWWWL ~ LLLWW

SPFL
WWDLW ~ LLLWD

CEL Away - HIB Home
WWLLL ~ LWDWW​