Celtic have been handed a clear advantage for the Hibs tie next weekend, and it comes straight from the Easter Road club’s own mistakes.
Hibs lost 2-1 to Hearts after taking an early lead, but the result was shaped by what happened after they took the lead and it will work in Celtic’s favour.
Martin Boyle gave Hibs the lead, and for a brief spell they controlled the game without issue. However, that control disappeared through two moments that changed everything.
Those moments now hand Martin O’Neill’s side a big advantage for Celtic’s next fixture which is, of course, in the capital against Hibs.
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Celtic benefit as Hibs errors lead directly to suspensions
Raphael Sallinger was sent off after handling the ball outside the area, a clear error that forced Hibs into an early reshuffle.
The situation worsened when Felix Passlack was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving Hibs with no margin for recovery.
Hibs losing two players in the same match now carries forward, leaving Celtic set to face a side without key starters.
The damage was self-inflicted, and hopefully Celtic can capitalise on that next week.
Celtic advantage is real because Hibs have weakened themselves
The loss of two first-team players through suspension strips Hibs of options, and that shifts the balance before the next match even begins.
This is not about form or tactics, it is about availability, and Hibs have reduced their own strength.
Celtic have not needed to create this advantage, it has been handed to them, and it gives O’Neill’s side a clear edge as the battle for the title with Hearts, and possibly Rangers, heats up.
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