When Hibernian F.C. takes on Celtic F.C., the football world pays attention. These two Scottish giants always promise high-intensity clashes that captivate fans and analysts alike. With Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premiership and Hibernian’s ambition to disrupt the status quo, understanding their startinghibernian f.c. vs celtic f.c. lineups offers crucial insight into the strategies at play.
In this article, we meticulously break down the predicted lineups for the much-anticipated fixture, exploring the strengths, weaknesses, and tactical nuances of each squad.
Hibernian F.C. Predicted Lineup and Tactics
Formation: 4-3-3 or 3-5-2?
Hibernian has experimented with several formations in recent matches. Manager Nick Montgomery often switches between a 4-3-3 attacking structure and a more compact 3-5-2, depending on the strength of the opposition. Against Celtic’s high-press system, Montgomery might adopt the more conservative 3-5-2 to provide defensive cover while ensuring counter-attacking opportunities.
Goalkeeper
- David Marshall
Marshall remains Hibernian’s first-choice goalkeeper, offering experience and reliability. His shot-stopping ability and leadership from the back are essential when facing Celtic’s dynamic attack.
Defenders
- Lewis Miller (Right-back)
Miller’s pace and defensive awareness will be critical in neutralizing Celtic’s wing play. - Will Fish (Center-back)
Fish brings solidity and aerial presence, providing stability in set-piece situations. - Paul Hanlon (Center-back)
As the captain, Hanlon’s ability to read the game and organize the backline will be indispensable. - Joe Newell (Left-back or left-center-back in a back three)
Newell’s versatility allows him to shift between a defensive role and midfield support.
Midfielders
- James Jeggo (Defensive Midfielder)
Jeggo plays a pivotal role in breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball efficiently from deep. - Dylan Vente (Box-to-box Midfielder)
Vente’s stamina and forward runs ensure that Hibernian transitions quickly from defense to attack. - Martin Boyle (Attacking Midfielder/Winger)
Boyle’s ability to drift inside from the flanks provides Hibernian with much-needed creativity and goal-scoring threat.
Forwards
- Adam Le Fondre (Striker)
Le Fondre’s experience and clinical finishing in front of goal make him a key asset. - Élie Youan (Forward)
With his speed and direct running, Youan can exploit the gaps in Celtic’s defense during counter-attacks.
Celtic F.C. Predicted Lineup and Tactics
Formation: 4-3-3 – Angeball in Full Effect
Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, continues to deploy the trademark 4-3-3 formation that focuses on pressing high, controlling possession, and attacking with width. Celtic’s fluid system requires every player to contribute to both phases of the game—attack and defense—ensuring relentless pressure on their opponents.
Goalkeeper
- Joe Hart
Hart’s experience between the posts provides stability. His ability to organize the defense and play out from the back is central to Celtic’s buildup play.
Defenders
- Alistair Johnston (Right-back)
Johnston’s defensive discipline and attacking prowess down the flank make him a dual threat. - Cameron Carter-Vickers (Center-back)
Carter-Vickers is a rock at the back, excelling in one-on-one situations and aerial duels. - Liam Scales (Center-back)
Scales has grown into his role, providing composure on the ball and physicality in defense. - Greg Taylor (Left-back)
Taylor’s overlapping runs and link-up play with the wingers allow Celtic to stretch opposition defenses.
Midfielders
- Callum McGregor (Defensive Midfielder)
McGregor, as Celtic’s captain, orchestrates the game from deep, ensuring smooth transitions between defense and attack. - Reo Hatate (Creative Midfielder)
Hatate’s vision and quick passing add flair to Celtic’s attacking play. His ability to find spaces will be key against Hibernian’s compact defense. - Matt O’Riley (Box-to-box Midfielder)
O’Riley’s work rate and intelligent movement allow him to contribute in both offensive and defensive phases.
Forwards
- Kyogo Furuhashi (Striker)
Furuhashi’s movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat inside the penalty area. - Daizen Maeda (Left Winger)
Maeda’s speed and pressing intensity disrupt opposition build-ups, making him invaluable in Rodgers’ system. - Luis Palma (Right Winger)
Palma’s creativity on the ball and goal-scoring instincts provide an additional dimension to Celtic’s attack.
Key Matchups to Watch in Hibernian F.C. vs Celtic F.C.
- Martin Boyle vs Greg Taylor
This duel on the flanks will be one to watch. Boyle’s pace and dribbling against Taylor’s defensive skills could dictate Hibernian’s success on the wings. - Kyogo Furuhashi vs Paul Hanlon
Celtic’s star striker will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Hibernian’s backline. Hanlon’s positioning and leadership will be tested throughout the match. - Callum McGregor vs James Jeggo
The battle in midfield will be crucial. McGregor’s playmaking abilities will meet Jeggo’s disruptive style, setting the tone for the game’s tempo.
Injury Updates and Potential Changes
Hibernian F.C.
- Chris Cadden and Jake Doyle-Hayes are expected to miss out due to injuries, limiting Hibernian’s options on the bench.
- Élie Youan might feature from the start, although he recently returned from a minor knock.
Celtic F.C.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston are back to full fitness, bolstering Celtic’s defense.
- Liel Abada is ruled out due to injury, with Luis Palma likely to take his place in the starting eleven.
Tactical Overview and Predictions
Hibernian will likely prioritize defensive solidity and look to hit Celtic on the break using the pace of Boyle and Youan. Celtic, on the other hand, will seek to dominate possession and apply constant pressure through their attacking trio and overlapping full-backs.
The outcome of this game will hinge on midfield battles and defensive resilience. If Hibernian can absorb Celtic’s pressure and counter effectively, they have a chance to upset the favorites. However, Celtic’s relentless pressing and clinical finishing could ultimately prove too strong to handle hibernian f.c. vs celtic f.c. lineups.
Conclusion: Who Will Prevail?
The Hibernian F.C. vs Celtic F.C. fixture is set to be an enthralling contest, with both teams bringing unique strengths to the field. Celtic’s consistency and firepower make them the favorites, but Hibernian’s determination and home advantage could result in a surprise outcome.
As the two sides prepare for battle, the fans are assured of an exciting 90 minutes of football. Whether Hibernian can pull off an upset or Celtic continues their march at the top of the table will be decided by fine margins on the day.
