Celtic v Hibs: team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch

Celtic face Hibernian this afternoon as Brendan Rodgers side return to Paradise. The Scottish Champions have not been at Celtic Park since the win over Livingston back in August. Since then, the club have exited the UEFA Champions League, failing to do enough business in the transfer window, kicked off their Europa League campaign and booked a place in the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final.

The sequence of events in August have influenced supporters to protest the club’s current direction under Michael Nicholson. Whilst the Celtic CEO has appeared to recognise the issues, the statement that the club put out only aggravated issues. In any case, the team will require support today as Brendan’s side look to get three points against the visitors from Leith.

Team News

Celtic remain without Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston, with the pair working back from their injuries. Jota remains a longterm absence. Tony Ralston is back in contention but he will struggle to displace Colby Donovan from the backline.

The manager confirmed that Reo Hatate is a doubt for the game, which will offer more game time for others in the squad.

Kasper Schmeichel will continue in goals.

In defence, expect an unchanged backline with Colby Donovan continuing at right back with KT at left back. There is an argument that Marcelo Saracchi could started especially with the midweek game against Braga. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales will continue as the central pairing.

In midfield, Callum McGregor will start with Benji Nygren. Given that Reo is out, any of Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Paulo Bernardo could come in. The Portuguese U21 skipper has struggled for game time this season with fans wondering why. Hopefully he can get some minutes in his legs as there’s definitely a talent there.

In attack, Kelechi Iheanacho is expected to start through the middle. The Nigerian attacker has impressed since signing from Sevilla. James Forrest and Seb Tounekti are expected to start out wide.

Predicted XI: Schmeichel; Tierney, Scales, Carter-Vickers, Donovan; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Tounekti, Iheanacho & Forrest.

Referee Details

Don Robertson will referee the clash. Robertson will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Chris Rae.

Meanwhile at Clydesdale House, experienced referee Steven McLean is on VAR duties. McLean will be assisted by Graeme Leslie.

Kick Off Time

The game kicks off at 3pm (Celtic Park Time).

Where to Watch

The game will not be shown on TV. However, Celtic TV subscribers outside of Britain and Ireland will be able to catch the action on the club’s streaming service.