Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Hibernian

It’s just over a fortnight until Celtic face off against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final. Before a potential treble is completed, though, there are three league games to focus on, and with the league already wrapped up, it’s a great chance to see some game time for the squad players. Standing in their way is David Gray’s Hibernian side, who sit three points clear in third place. The Hibees have excelled, with victories over Celtic and Rangers, plus excellent consistency across the board. How then will Celtic shape up against them? We answer just that on Last Word on Football, with our Celtic predicted lineup.

Celtic Predicted Lineup vs Dundee United

How Celtic Have Lined Up Recently

Vijlami Sinisalo kept his place in between the sticks. The Finn’s gametime has profited from an unfortunate arm injury that plagued Kasper Schmeichel on international duty with Denmark. Since taking his place, he has performed well and elevated his status in the squad.

Manager Brendan Rodgers admitted,

“I think it’s been an interesting one because if Kasper had stayed fit we may not have seen so much of him, in which case then we would have had a decision in the summer because he’s a very, very talented young goalkeeper and it was in the case of does he go out on loan to get that experience with the view to him coming back to challenge Kasper to be number one.

Indirectly, the situation has really, really helped us and cleared up that thinking because he’s been excellent and he’s played with real authority and calmness for such a young goalkeeper. He did a big test away at Ibrox last week, he came through that really, really well. I’ve been pleased for him.”

As Alistair Johnson missed out, Anthony Ralston came in alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Greg Taylor in defence. While the right-back doesn’t have the same physical attributes as Johnson, meaning that he rarely overlapped, he was a reliable presence at the back. In his first start since February, he showed little signs of rust, fitting in seamlessly.

Callum McGregor returned to Glasgow Derby action, alongside Reo Hatate, with Arne Engels just in front. Hatate has been making the headlines, with rumours circulating around his future. Again, he played an important in-possession role at Ibrox, providing many of the line-breaking actions against the Rangers diamond structure. Signed in the Winter of 2022, he has spent just over three years with the Bhoys, and may be looking for a fresh challenge in a top-five league.

Up front, James Forrest, Adam Idah, and Daizen Maeda formed a front three. Ultimately, the only goal of the game came from a typically inconsistent Idah. The Irishman finished well, albeit with the help of a deflection, and showed good moments of hold-up play in the second half, particularly from throw-ins. However, the opening forty-five was somewhat of a struggle, with an under-hit pass to Forrest on a promising counter, and a gilt-edged opportunity passed up. Either way, the 24-year-old is now on 18 goals for the season, a respectable return.

Celtic’s Recent Form and Tactics

Celtic put an end to their two-game Glasgow Derby losing streak. In many ways, there were similarities to the reverse fixture in March. Celtic struggled to deal with Rangers’ set-pieces, but created the better open-play opportunities. Against the narrow diamond structure that the home side employed, Rodgers’ men were able to find the extra man with ease and play through the thirds.

It left acres of space out wide, however, all too often they lacked the clinical edge to take advantage. Johnson would have been licking his lips with his overlapping presence. Admittedly though, had the Canadian been fit, Barry Ferguson would have likely employed a more typical structure.

Moving on, the next three games provide a real opportunity to test those who haven’t had much game time, and possibly see some youngsters. Rodgers said,

“There will be lots of changes, particularly in the next two games. There are player I want to give an opportunity to.”

Ultimately, as the Sinisalo example showed, it will allow the Champions to evaluate their squad and provide more clarity for the coming Summer.

Injuries to Consider

Johnson, Jota and Dane Murray remain unavailable. Meanwhile, Carter-Vickers is a fresh addition to the injury table, with a hamstring issue keeping him out till at least the St Mirren game. In more positive news, Schmeichel will return to the squad, meanwhile Nicolas Kuhn is available for selection.