As Celtic prepare to face Hibs in the capital tonight, you get a feeling that we are just ticking off these games as we look forward to the Scottish Cup Final in less than two weeks from now.
And whilst the team has been off the boil recently, Hibs manager Lee Johnson praised Ange Postecoglou’s team ahead of the capital clash tonight at Easter Road.
Johnson said [Daily Record], “I’ll be honest with you, I thought we played really well at Parkhead. We went a man down undeservedly very early in the game.
“They have high-quality players with speed, speed of thought, timing, philosophy is all there to see. But we have a plan. We are comfortable with it, we will carry a threat, there’s no doubt about that.
“And you have to be clinical, you have to take your opportunities. That gives you something to hold onto, and then it becomes a completely different game.”
Two reasons why Celtic must be on their guard against Hibs
Celtic will be looking to improve on recent performances in order to build momentum for the cup final on June 3rd. No doubt, there will be further changes in tonight’s lineup as Ange looks to give the fringe players some game time, but these players must look to grasp that opportunity.
There are two reasons why Celtic will need to be wary of Hibs tonight. Firstly, as they chase that fourth and, possibly, final European place, a win against Celtic tonight is crucial. That would then set up a potential Edinburgh derby decider for that vital European spot if Hearts lose to Rangers at Ibrox tonight.
And secondly, Celtic can still offer the Edinburgh side a European lifeline. Should the Edinburgh side finish fifth and we win the Scottish Cup, the last UEFA Cup place would go to the team in fifth place in the SPFL. But Lee Johnson knows that St Mirren are breathing heavily down his neck just two points behind him.
So there is everything to play for and Celtic will need to be up for this game tonight if we are to avoid dropping any more points.
In other news, Ange Postecoglou; Celtic drawing Newcastle United in the Champions League would ‘be nice’
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