The match between Celtic F.C. and Hibernian F.C. is always one of the most anticipated fixtures in Scottish football. Both clubs have rich histories and passionate fanbases, and whenever they meet, sparks fly. From their intense domestic battles in the Scottish Premiership to encounters in cup competitions, these two teams offer plenty of drama, emotion, and top-level football.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive analysis of the Celtic F.C. vs Hibernian F.C. lineups, based on the latest available information, and break down the key players and tactics you can expect from both teams. We’ll also explore how each team’s squad has evolved over the years and what fans are expecting in their upcoming clash.
Celtic F.C.: Dominance in Scottish Football
Recent Form and Tactical Overview
As one of Scotland’s most successful clubs, Celtic F.C. continues to dominate the Scottish Premiership, regularly finishing in the top tier and competing in European competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, who rejoined the club in 2023 after a stint at Leicester City, Celtic has returned to their attacking, possession-based football that made them so formidable in his first spell at the club.
Rodgers’ system is built on high pressing, wide play, and an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with an emphasis on creating overloads in attack. Celtic’s strategy is to dominate possession, control the tempo of the game, and break down opposition defenses with their quick, fluid attacking play.
Key Players
Kyogo Furuhashi (Striker): The Japanese forward has been in exceptional form for Celtic, contributing with goals, assists, and dynamic movement. His ability to find space in the box and his quick reactions make him a constant threat.
Reo Hatate (Midfielder): A versatile and technically gifted player, Hatate is known for his creativity and vision. His ability to drive forward and deliver precise passes makes him one of the key architects of Celtic’s attacks.
Jota (Winger): The Portuguese winger is one of Celtic’s standout players, offering flair, dribbling skills, and the ability to deliver dangerous crosses. Jota is pivotal to Celtic’s offensive play on the left flank.
Cameron Carter-Vickers (Center-back): A commanding presence at the back, Carter-Vickers is solid in one-on-one situations and is capable of reading the game well. His aerial ability and leadership in defense are crucial for Celtic.
Celtic’s Expected Lineup (2024/25)
Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic will likely deploy a 4-3-3 formation that can transition fluidly between defense and attack. Their expected lineup for the upcoming clash with Hibernian could look as follows:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Right-back: Alistair Johnston
Center-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Center-back: Maik Nawrocki
Left-back: Greg Taylor
Midfielder: Callum McGregor (C)
Midfielder: Reo Hatate
Midfielder: Matt O’Riley
Right-wing: Liel Abada
Center-forward: Kyogo Furuhashi
Left-wing: Jota
Hibernian F.C.: The Underdog with Ambition
Recent Form and Tactical Overview
Hibernian F.C., based in Edinburgh, is one of Scotland’s most storied clubs, although they have not enjoyed the same level of success as Celtic in recent years. Hibs are a team with ambition, striving to break into the top four in the Scottish Premiership and secure European football. They are known for being a competitive side that often provides tough opposition to the league’s larger teams.
Under manager Lee Johnson, who took over in 2021, Hibernian has adopted a more pragmatic style, focusing on solid defensive organization, counter-attacking football, and direct play. Johnson prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation that allows Hibs to stay compact defensively while utilizing the pace of their wingers and forwards on the break.
Key Players
Kevin Nisbet (Striker): Nisbet is Hibs’ primary goal-scoring threat, known for his clinical finishing and ability to link up play. His movement off the ball makes him a constant danger in the penalty box.
Martin Boyle (Winger): Boyle is one of Hibernian’s most dangerous players in attack. His pace and dribbling ability allow him to stretch opposition defenses and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Josh Campbell (Midfielder): The central midfielder is a dynamic presence for Hibernian, offering energy in midfield, breaking up opposition play, and contributing to the attack.
David Marshall (Goalkeeper): The veteran goalkeeper has been key for Hibs, bringing experience and shot-stopping ability. His leadership at the back will be crucial in facing a potent Celtic attack.
Hibernian’s Expected Lineup (2024/25)
Hibernian’s approach is often more defensively solid and pragmatic, relying on counter-attacks and set pieces. Their 4-2-3-1 formation will likely be deployed for the match against Celtic:
Goalkeeper: David Marshall
Right-back: Chris Cadden
Center-back: Paul Hanlon
Center-back: Ryan Porteous
Left-back: Lewis Stevenson
Defensive Midfield: Josh Campbell
Defensive Midfield: Elias Melkersen
Attacking Midfield: Johan Hammar
Right-wing: Martin Boyle
Striker: Kevin Nisbet
Left-wing: Dylan Vente
Tactical Breakdown: Celtic vs Hibernian
Celtic’s Tactical Approach
Celtic’s game under Brendan Rodgers is built around maintaining possession, pressing high, and exploiting the spaces in wide areas. Their 4-3-3 formation allows them to control the midfield, with players like Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley controlling the tempo and providing quick, creative passes. Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota are key to Celtic’s ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities. Expect Celtic to dominate possession and push Hibs back into their own half.
In defense, Celtic’s back four, led by Cameron Carter-Vickers, is solid but will need to stay vigilant against Hibs’ counter-attacks. Joe Hart will need to be alert to any long balls played over the top to Hibs’ speedsters like Martin Boyle.
Hibernian’s Tactical Approach
Hibernian, under Lee Johnson, is likely to set up with a more compact shape, looking to frustrate Celtic’s attacking moves with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Josh Campbell and Elias Melkersen will sit deeper in midfield, providing defensive cover for the back four and breaking up any Celtic build-up. The key to Hibs’ game will be their counter-attacks, with Kevin Nisbet leading the line and Martin Boyle and Dylan Vente providing pace and width on the flanks.
Hibs will rely on set pieces and quick transitions to catch Celtic out of position, hoping to capitalize on any gaps left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs, Greg Taylor and Alistair Johnston.
What to Expect in the Celtic vs Hibernian Match
Possession and Pressing
Celtic will almost certainly dominate possession, dictating the tempo of the game with their midfield play. Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley will control the middle of the park, distributing passes to Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota on the wings. Hibs, in contrast, will be more reactive, trying to stifle Celtic’s flow and hit them on the break.
Counter-Attacks and Speed
Hibernian’s key to success will lie in their ability to execute quick counter-attacks. With Kevin Nisbet up front and Martin Boyle on the wing, they have the pace to exploit any space left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs. Expect Hibs to target long balls into the channels and quick transitions whenever they win possession.
Set Pieces
Both teams are dangerous from set pieces, and this could be a critical area in the match. Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers is a threat in the air from corners, while Paul Hanlon and Ryan Porteous will provide aerial dominance for Hibs.
FAQs
What is Celtic’s expected lineup for the match against Hibernian?
Celtic is expected to line up in Brendan Rodgers’ preferred 4-3-3 formation, which emphasizes possession and fluid attacking play. The latest reports suggest the following lineup:
Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
Right-back: Alistair Johnston
Center-back: Cameron Carter-Vickers
Center-back: Maik Nawrocki
Left-back: Greg Taylor
Midfielder: Callum McGregor (C)
Midfielder: Reo Hatate
Midfielder: Matt O’Riley
Right-wing: Liel Abada
Center-forward: Kyogo Furuhashi
Left-wing: Jota
The lineup combines a solid defense, a dynamic midfield, and an attack led by Kyogo Furuhashi, with Jota and Abada providing width and creativity.
What is Hibernian’s expected lineup against Celtic?
Hibernian will likely adopt a more defensive approach, setting up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The latest expected lineup for Hibs could look as follows:
Goalkeeper: David Marshall
Right-back: Chris Cadden
Center-back: Paul Hanlon
Center-back: Ryan Porteous
Left-back: Lewis Stevenson
Defensive Midfield: Josh Campbell
Defensive Midfield: Elias Melkersen
Attacking Midfield: Johan Hammar
Right-wing: Martin Boyle
Striker: Kevin Nisbet
Left-wing: Dylan Vente
Hibernian will rely on counter-attacks and quick transitions, with Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet providing the attacking spark.
How does Celtic’s tactical setup impact the match?
Celtic’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to dominate possession, with a focus on high pressing, passing triangles, and moving the ball quickly across the pitch. Brendan Rodgers likes his full-backs to push high, and with Kyogo Furuhashi leading the attack, Celtic will look to break down Hibernian’s defense with quick, incisive passes. The key battle will be in midfield, where Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley will look to dictate the tempo and bypass Hibs’ defensive block.
What is Hibernian’s tactical approach for the game against Celtic?
Hibernian’s approach is expected to be more defensive, focusing on a compact shape and playing on the counter. With Kevin Nisbet up front and Martin Boyle on the wings, Hibs will attempt to exploit any space left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to keep solid defensive structure and spring quick counter-attacks when they win possession. They’ll look for long passes into the channels and hope to capitalize on Celtic’s attacking movement.
Who are the key players to watch in Celtic vs Hibernian?
Celtic:
Kyogo Furuhashi – The Japanese striker is in red-hot form and will be the focal point of Celtic’s attack.
Jota – His flair, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a constant threat on the left-wing.
Cameron Carter-Vickers – A solid defensive presence, Carter-Vickers will play a key role in dealing with Hibs’ counter-attacks.
Hibernian:
Kevin Nisbet – Hibs’ top striker, Nisbet is a clinical finisher and capable of scoring in any situation.
Martin Boyle – Known for his pace and skill, Boyle will be critical in stretching Celtic’s defense.
David Marshall – The veteran goalkeeper is crucial for Hibs in keeping out Celtic’s attacking barrage.
In Summary
The Celtic F.C. vs Hibernian F.C. match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Celtic expected to dominate possession and attack while Hibernian focuses on a more defensive and counter-attacking approach. Celtic’s 4-3-3 formation, led by key players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota, will be looking to break down Hibernian’s defense and create plenty of chances. Meanwhile, Hibernian, with Kevin Nisbet and Martin Boyle leading their attacks, will look to exploit any spaces left by Celtic’s attacking full-backs.
This clash will not only be about individual brilliance but also about tactical discipline, with Celtic aiming to break down a well-organized Hibernian side. The outcome will depend on whether Celtic can maintain their attacking fluidity or if Hibs can capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities and set pieces. As both teams look to achieve their respective goals in the Scottish Premiership, this is sure to be a thrilling and tactical showdown that fans will not want to miss.
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