Hibernian vs Celtic Predictions for this Premiership game. Hibernian will host Celtic at Easter Road on Sunday, aiming for their first points after an opening-day defeat, while the reigning champions seek to continue their winning momentum in the Scottish Premiership. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
Championship | Aug 11, 2024 at 12.30pm UK at Easter Road Stadium
Hibernian vs Celtic Predictions
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Can Hibernian Halt Celtic’s Rampage at Easter Road?
Key Stats
Celtic have won 14 of their last 22 encounters with Hibernian, losing only once.
Hibernian managed 15 shots but failed to score in their season opener against St Mirren.
Celtic have gone 18 matches unbeaten in all competitions, underlining their dominance.
As Celtic prepare to face Hibernian at Easter Road, the fixture presents a tale of two contrasting starts to the season. While Celtic stormed to a 4-0 victory against Kilmarnock, Hibernian stumbled with a disheartening 3-0 defeat to St Mirren. The clash between these two sides not only highlights the gulf in current form but also sets the stage for a tactical battle that could be pivotal in shaping their respective campaigns.
Hibernian’s Struggles and Tactical Inconsistencies
Hibernian’s form has been a rollercoaster over the past few seasons. After finishing third in the 2020-21 campaign, the club has seen a decline, finishing eighth, fifth, and eighth in the subsequent seasons. This inconsistency has plagued them, and their recent form, while showing signs of improvement, remains unreliable. Despite winning seven of their last eleven matches across all competitions, their recent defeat to St Mirren exposed underlying weaknesses.
David Gray’s side managed to dominate possession against St Mirren, controlling 57% of the ball and outshooting their opponents 15 to 9. However, their inability to convert chances into goals is a significant concern. The team’s lack of clinical finishing has been a recurring issue, with 12 successful dribbles and eight corners in the match, yet no goals to show for it. This inefficiency in the final third could be their downfall against a Celtic side that thrives on punishing defensive lapses.
Hibernian’s expected lineup against Celtic includes Josef Bursik in goal, with a defensive backline of Lewis Miller, Marvin Ekpiteta, Warren O’Hora, and Jordan Obita. The midfield is likely to feature Joe Newell, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, and Josh Campbell, while Martin Boyle, Rudi Allan Molotnikov, and Dylan Vente will lead the attack. This setup suggests that Gray is aiming for a balanced approach, with a mix of defensive solidity and attacking flair. However, without a proven goalscorer, they might struggle to break down a resilient Celtic defence.
Celtic’s Unstoppable Momentum
Celtic, on the other hand, have carried their formidable form from last season into the new campaign. Their 4-0 demolition of Kilmarnock in the opening game was a statement of intent, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Brendan Rodgers has instilled a sense of invincibility in his side, with Celtic now unbeaten in their last 18 matches across all competitions. This relentless form, combined with their track record of success against Hibernian—winning 14 of their last 22 meetings—makes them heavy favourites going into this match.
Celtic’s expected lineup is built around a dynamic front three of James Forrest, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Nicolas-Gerrit Kuhn, who will look to exploit any defensive frailties in the Hibernian setup. The midfield trio of Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, and Reo Hatate provides a perfect blend of creativity, control, and defensive cover. The backline, featuring Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, and Greg Taylor, offers stability and experience, while Kasper Schmeichel’s presence in goal adds an extra layer of assurance.
Celtic’s ability to create and convert chances is reflected in their stats. With an average of 15 total shots per game and a high accuracy rate of 72.3% for passes, they dominate possession and are clinical in front of goal. Their pressing game, combined with quick transitions, will likely put immense pressure on Hibernian’s backline, which has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in dealing with high-intensity attacks.
Expected Goals and Tactical Dynamics
Analysing the expected goals (xG) of both teams provides insight into their attacking efficiency. Hibernian’s xG from their opening game against St Mirren was significantly lower than expected, highlighting their struggles in converting possession into meaningful chances. Their inability to score, despite having 15 shots, points to a lack of cutting-edge in the final third.
In contrast, Celtic’s xG in their match against Kilmarnock was reflective of a team firing on all cylinders. With multiple big chances created, they capitalised on their opportunities, underscoring their effectiveness in front of goal. If these trends continue, Celtic are likely to dominate the xG once again, putting them in a strong position to control the game.
The match could be decided in the midfield, where Celtic’s trio of O’Riley, McGregor, and Hatate will be pivotal. Their ability to dictate the tempo, combined with their defensive work rate, could stifle Hibernian’s attempts to build attacks from the back. The key duels in this area, particularly between McGregor and Joe Newell, will be crucial. Newell, Hibernian’s top-rated player, will need to be at his best to disrupt Celtic’s rhythm and create opportunities for his side.
Gameplay Prediction
Given the playing styles of both teams, the game is likely to be one where Celtic assert their dominance early on. They will look to press Hibernian high up the pitch, forcing errors and capitalising on any defensive lapses. Hibernian, on the other hand, may opt for a more cautious approach, focusing on soaking up pressure and hitting Celtic on the counter.
However, Hibernian’s defensive frailties and lack of a potent attacking threat could see them struggle to cope with Celtic’s relentless pressure. Expect Celtic to control possession, with their full-backs pushing forward to provide width and their midfielders dictating play. Hibernian’s best chances may come from set-pieces, given their height advantage, but they will need to be clinical if they are to have any hope of securing a result.
Critique of Hibernian’s Tactical Approach and Management
Hibernian’s current tactical approach under David Gray is overly cautious and lacks the cutting edge needed to compete against top-tier opposition like Celtic. Gray’s reliance on a possession-based game plan without the requisite quality in the final third is a recipe for disaster. The team’s inability to convert dominance into goals is a glaring weakness, and Gray’s failure to address this issue raises serious questions about his tactical acumen.
Moreover, Gray’s decision to field a relatively inexperienced side against a team as formidable as Celtic is highly questionable. While blooding young players is commendable, doing so in a match where the stakes are so high could backfire. The lack of a proven goalscorer in the squad is another concern that Gray has yet to adequately address. Without a reliable focal point in attack, Hibernian are likely to struggle to break down well-organized defences.
This cautious approach, combined with a lack of tactical flexibility, suggests that Gray may not be the right man to take Hibernian forward. His reluctance to adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his players, and his failure to implement a coherent attacking strategy, could see Hibernian continue to languish in mid-table mediocrity.
Critique of Celtic’s Management and Strategy
On the flip side, Brendan Rodgers’ management of Celtic has been nothing short of exceptional. However, there are areas where his approach could be critiqued. While his emphasis on attacking football has yielded results, it has also exposed his team to unnecessary defensive risks. Celtic’s tendency to push their full-backs high up the pitch leaves them vulnerable to counter-attacks, something that better-organized teams could exploit.
Rodgers’ insistence on playing out from the back, regardless of the opposition, could also be seen as a double-edged sword. While it helps Celtic maintain control of the game, it also increases the risk of turnovers in dangerous areas. Against a team with a more clinical counter-attacking threat, this could prove costly.
Despite these minor criticisms, Rodgers has built a well-drilled side that plays with a clear identity. His ability to get the best out of his players, particularly in key positions, has been a major factor in Celtic’s success. However, as the season progresses, he will need to address these defensive frailties if Celtic are to maintain their dominance and avoid potential upsets.
Match Predictions
After analysing the strengths, weaknesses, and tactical setups of both teams, here are the predictions for this match:
Best Bet: Celtic -1 to win
Celtic are on a phenomenal run, and their dominant 4-0 win in their opening match suggests they are in top form. Hibernian’s defensive frailties, combined with their lack of cutting-edge in attack, make them vulnerable to a Celtic side that is brimming with confidence. A Celtic win by at least two goals is highly likely, given their superior quality and momentum.
Correct Score Prediction: Hibernian 0-4 Celtic
Given Celtic’s firepower and Hibernian’s defensive struggles, a 4-0 victory for the visitors seems plausible. Hibernian’s inability to score against St Mirren, coupled with Celtic’s relentless attacking approach, suggests that the hosts will find it difficult to breach Celtic’s defence. Meanwhile, Celtic’s front three are likely to exploit any gaps in Hibernian’s backline, leading to a comprehensive win.
Goalscorer Prediction: Kyogo Furuhashi to score
Kyogo Furuhashi has been in scintillating form for Celtic, and his movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat. With Hibernian’s defence showing signs of vulnerability, Furuhashi is likely to find himself in several goal-scoring opportunities. Expect him to get on the scoresheet, possibly more than once, as Celtic look to assert their dominance.
First Half Result Prediction: Celtic to lead at half-time
Celtic’s tendency to start games strongly, combined with Hibernian’s defensive issues, suggests that the visitors will be ahead by the break. Brendan Rodgers will likely instruct his side to press high and assert their dominance early on, putting Hibernian under pressure from the outset. A first-half lead for Celtic seems highly probable.
Innovative Market: Total Celtic Shots on Target Over 7.5
Celtic’s attacking approach and ability to create chances will likely result in a high number of shots on target. With players like Furuhashi, Forrest, and O’Riley pulling the strings, Celtic could easily surpass the 7.5 shots on target mark, particularly against a Hibernian side that struggled defensively in their last outing.
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