Hibernian Vs Celtic

This meeting marks the first encounter between the two sides since December 7, when Celtic emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win at Celtic Park. Hibernian struggled with inefficiency in front of goal that day, allowing the Hoops to capitalize and secure all three points.

Celtic's European adventure reached a heartbreaking conclusion in Germany earlier this week, where Bayern Munich denied them a famous victory in dramatic fashion. After losing 2-1 in the first leg in Glasgow, Celtic had positioned themselves on the verge of an incredible upset in the return fixture at the Allianz Arena. Nicolas Kuhn’s goal had given the Scottish giants a 1-0 lead on the night, which would have forced extra time, but their dreams were shattered in the dying moments of the match. Alphonso Davies struck deep into injury time, leveling the score on the night and sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory for the German champions.

Despite the bitter disappointment, Brendan Rodgers' men can take immense pride in their European campaign, having stood toe-to-toe with one of the continent’s footballing powerhouses. However, their focus must now shift entirely to domestic matters, with their primary ambition being to clinch a record-equalling 55th Scottish Premiership title.

At present, Celtic command a dominant position at the summit of the league table, enjoying a substantial 13-point lead over second-placed Rangers with just 12 matches remaining. Among those fixtures, two crucial Old Firm derbies are set to take place, potentially shaping the final stretch of the season.

Celtic’s form in the Premiership has been formidable, having won six of their last seven league matches. Their most recent three victories have come in emphatic fashion, with an aggregate scoreline of 12-1. Additionally, they have established a stronghold at Easter Road in recent encounters, winning on their last two visits there. This marks a significant improvement, as they had previously struggled at Hibs’ home ground, securing just two victories in 12 attempts (drawing seven and losing three).

On the other side, Hibernian have shown impressive resilience since their last meeting with Celtic. Following that 3-0 defeat at Celtic Park in December, they have embarked on an unbeaten 12-game run across all competitions. Their recent Premiership form has seen them alternate between victories and draws in their last five matches, demonstrating consistency and determination.

Last week, Hibs secured a 2-0 triumph over Aberdeen before narrowly defeating Ayr United 1-0 in the Scottish Cup fifth round. However, they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against St Mirren in their latest league outing, a match in which they played the final minutes with ten men after the contentious red card issued to debutant Alasana Manneh.

Hibernian failed to fully capitalize on fourth-placed Dundee United’s 3-0 loss to Celtic last weekend and remain in fifth place, three points adrift of the top four. With only seven games left before the league split, every point will be crucial in their pursuit of a higher finish.

Returning to Easter Road should provide Hibs with a much-needed boost. They have turned their home ground into a fortress in recent weeks, winning five of their last six matches there. Their most recent three home victories have come with an aggregate score of 8-1, underlining their strength on familiar turf.

However, their record against Celtic leaves much to be desired. Over the years, they have struggled against the Glasgow giants, having managed just one victory in their last 24 meetings across all competitions. That solitary triumph came in May 2023, when they claimed a 4-2 win at Easter Road under the guidance of former manager Lee Johnson.

Saturday’s encounter presents an opportunity for Hibernian to prove they can compete with the reigning champions, while Celtic will be determined to reinforce their dominance and move one step closer to another league title.