Celtic return to league duty on Sunday with a game against in-form Hibernian. The Hoops go into the game on the back of the 1-0 win over Riga in the Europa League. Meanwhile, Hibs, who are in third place in the league, drew 2-2 with Rangers in their last league game.
However, it should not be forgotten that Celtic are in good form domestically, the Hoops have won the last five league games on the spin.
Celtic could go into the game four points behind – albeit with two games in hand – if Rangers defeat Motherwell at Sunday lunchtime.
Hoops have thrived in pressure situations
However, even if that is the case, the Hoops have thrived for years in pressure situations. Celtic will need to be at their best to win the game, and this is the team we predict will get the nod from Neil Lennon to start the game.
We predict that the Hoops boss will stick with the 3-5-2 formation that he has favoured recently.
Vasilis Barkas will be the man in goals, and he might have a busier day than he had in Riga.
In defence, we predict that the trio who started against Riga will start against Hibernian. Shane Duffy and Kristoffer Ajer will start as usual. Even if Christopher Jullien is fit, Nir Bitton more than deserves to keep his place in the side. He was excellent in the Europa League tie.
On the wings, Greg Taylor, who has featured regularly this season will start on the left. Jeremie Frimpong seems nailed on to start on the right. Not only was he brilliant against Riga, but with James Forrest out he seems like the ideal replacement.
In the middle of the park it will be the usual duo of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor. Brown might be an injury doubt but it is a big game, so expect him to play. Just in front of them, in a more familiar role than he played in Riga will be Ryan Christie. No place for Mohamed Elyounoussi despite his goal against Riga.
Up-front, we are going for the pairing of Odsonne Edouard and Albian Ajeti to start together for only the second time this season. In a game where there could be goals, it is best to play your best strikers.
Predicted XI: Vasilis Barkas, Shane Duffy, Nir Bitton, Kristoffer Ajer, Greg Taylor, Jeremie Frimpong, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, Odsonne Edouard, Albian Ajeti
In other news, Celtic will be asked about the prospect of playing the entire season with no fans in the stadium.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
