2 changes, fresh attack; Celtic Predicted XI vs Hibs

By John McGinley

December 28, 2022

It’s another big night of Scottish Premiership football this evening as Celtic travel to Easter Road looking to at least maintain a nine-point lead at the top of the table.

The Bhoys have been in incredible league form this season, dropping points in just one fixture. But Hibernian are unlikely to make it easy this evening coming off the back of a morale-boosting win at the weekend.

What team will Ange Postecoglou go with tonight? Here’s our take on a potential eleven…

Joe Hart will start in goal as he has done all season. There’s no sign of him being displaced by Dorus de Vries.

In defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt are likely to be paired again as the manager looks to rebuild the successful partnership of last season. At left back, we’ll likely see Greg Taylor continue.

On the right flank, things are less certain. Josip Juranovic has returned to Scotland this week but Postecoglou said this match would be too soon for his reintroduction.

We’ve also not had a firm update on Anthony Ralston for days given the festive period playing havoc with the club’s media schedule. That means Reo Hatate is a decent shout to again get the nod in the position, where he played so well against St Johnstone.

That would also have ramifications in midfield, where Hatate normally plays. Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley and Aaron Mooy are the most likely trio to feature with David Turnbull’s suspension ruling him out.

In attack is where we may see the changes tonight. We know the manager likes to freshen things up in the final third so tonight we could see Liel Abada and Jota come back into the starting line-up, supporting club top scorer Kyogo Furuhashi who was back on the goal trail at the weekend.

Your predicted XI in full is: Hart, Hatate, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, McGregor, Mooy, O’Riley, Abada, Jota, Kyogo.