HIBERNIAN have made another traumatic start to the season and it has the potential to get even worse as they head to Celtic Park for a last-16 tie in the Scottish League Cup.
David Gray suffered the first crisis of his reign as permanent boss when the Hibees lost on the road at League One Kelty Hearts in the League Cup group stage.
They recovered to top their section and make the last 16 but dark clouds descended on Gray once more as his side slumped to a 3-0 loss at St Mirren in their SPFL Premiership opener.
It was hard not to fear for the Hibees when they then fell 2-0 down at home to Celtic at Easter Road last weekend and a hammering looked on the cards at that point with Brendan Rodgers' side running riot.
But they managed to keep the Hoops out for the rest of the game, scuppering two bets for our man Greg after he backed the champions for over 2.5 goals.
Celtic were still worthy winners though and they've started the season superbly after claiming the scalps of Manchester City and Chelsea on their summer tour of America.
The Parkhead giants bowed at this stage of the League Cup last term with a defeat at Kilmarnock so Rodgers will be desperate to avoid a repeat.
How the bookies view it: Hoops on a stroll
After watching Celtic outplay Hibs for most of last week's game at Easter Road it's no surprise to see them at just 1/33 to reach the quarter-finals. That price only increases to 1/9 for a win in 90 minutes and even the draw is huge at 15/2. Hibs are 10/1 to qualify and 16/1 to do it in normal time.
Recent head to head: Rodgers banishing his Hibees hex
Celtic boss Rodgers took four attempts to record a win at Easter Road but the Hoops have found it easier on home soil in this fixture and are unbeaten in the last 18 meetings at Celtic Park. There was only one clash at Parkhead last term and it ended in a 4-1 victory for the champions.
Players to watch: Wanted man O'Riley out to open his account
Matt O'Riley continues to be linked with a move away from Parkhead and fans face a nervous wait to see if Celtic will hold on to him. The playmaker scored 19 goals last term and is 21/20 to open his account for this campaign.
Hibs will look to hit on the counter attack at Parkhead and Martin Boyle's pace down the right will make him a threat. The Aussie international is 11/2 for a goal.
Probable teams
Rodgers has stuck with the same starting XI for both league games so far but Daizen Maeda could come back in after a run-out off the bench last week. Anthony Ralston may also get a game at right-back to give Alistair Johnston a rest after his Copa America exertions.
Elie Youan and Junior Hoilett remain out for Hibs and Bowie could start up front after impressing last weekend as a sub.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, O'Riley, Maeda, Kuhn, Furuhashi.
Hibernian: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O'Hora, Obita, Moriah-Welsh, Newell, Campbell, Molotnikov, Boyle, Bowie.
Anything else catch the eye?
Hibernian tried to press Celtic high last weekend but it backfired as they were opened up time and again. I'd imagine Gray will learn from that mistake and sit a bit deeper at Parkhead. That could lead to a lot of Celtic corners but I've yet to see any prices for that market.
Gray's midfielders picked up two early bookings last week and we could see more cards here as they try to knock Rodgers' side out of their stride. Australian full-back Lewis Miller loves a tackle and that makes him a good candidate to go in the book at 23/10. I also like the 6/5 available at Bet365 for Hibs -1 in the card handicap.
Betting on a penalty is always a good option when either Celtic or Rangers play at home and that pays 11/8 at Bet365 here.
This Scottish League Cup match between Celtic and Hibernian will be played on Aug 18, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Celtic vs Hibernian prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
