CELTIC will look to make it two wins from two to begin the new Scottish Premiership campaign as they travel to Easter Road on Sunday lunchtime to take on Hibs in a match I’m expecting the champions to secure a high-scoring victory.
Celtic began the defence of their Scottish Premiership crown last Sunday with a resounding 4-0 victory at home to Kilmarnock to put them top of the table.
Brendan Rodgers’ men also had an excellent pre-season tour in the States, as they claimed victories over DC United and Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City, scoring four goals in each win.
David Gray began his reign as permanent Hibees boss by finishing top of their League Cup group thanks to victories over Queen’s Park, Elgin City and Peterhead, scoring 16 goals in the process.
However, the capital club suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss to Kelty Hearts in the League Cup group stages and endured more away-day misery in their Premiership opener in Paisley last week, falling to a 3-0 defeat at St Mirren.
How the bookies view it: Hoops heavy favourites
Unsurprisingly, The Hoops are clear favourites to leave Leith with all three points, with William Hill offering odds of just 4/11 for an away win.
Despite being at home, Hibs are a massive 8/1 to stun the champions, whilst PaddyPower are offering 9/2 for a stalemate.
Head to head: Celtic generally conquer
These sides faced off just three times in the Premiership last term due to Hibs bottom half finish.
The opening clash finished in a goalless draw at Easter Road, but Celtic went on to win the next two, including a controversial 1-2 victory in Leith at the beginning of February.
Players to watch: Kühn to cause chaos to Hibs’ vulnerable defence
Nicolas Kühn had a terrific pre-season, and the German winger scored the third against Kilmarnock last weekend.
Despite being guilty of missing a couple of chances at St Mirren last weekend, Martin Boyle is still The Hibees' main danger threat and has already struck three times in the group stages of the League Cup for the Leith side.
Probable line-ups
Hibees boss David Gray bemoaned the quality of his side in both boxes in Paisley last week and may opt to shuffle his pack.
Kasper Schmeichel made his competitive debut for The Hoops last weekend, and Brendan Rodgers may select the same starting 11 as the one that battered Kilmarnock.
Hibernian: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O’hora, Obita, Moriah-Welsh, Newell, Boyle, Campbell, Cadden, Vente
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O’Riley, Hatate, McGregor, Forrest, Kühn, Kyogo
Anything else catch the eye?”
Celtic have been in terrific form in pre-season and continue that with a 4-0 rout over Kilmarnock in the Premiership last weekend.
The Hoops also scored four against DC United, Chelsea and Manchester City, so backing an away win and Over 2.5 Goals appeals at 4/5 with William Hill.
The last two meetings in the Premiership last season finished 4-1 and 1-2 in the champion's favour – and given Hibs are generally good for a goal – a Celtic Win and Both Teams to Score has a chance at 13/8 with Bet365.
This Scottish Premiership match between Hibernian and Celtic will be played on Aug 11, 2024 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Hibernian vs Celtic prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
WE need second half more goal if ther are