Hibernian vs Celtic — Match Preview
The Scottish Premiership serves up a classic fixture this Sunday lunchtime as Hibernian welcome champions Celtic to Easter Road. This match carries immense significance for both dugouts. For Celtic, it marks the end of an era—albeit a short one—as interim boss Martin O’Neill takes charge for the final time before reportedly handing the reins to Wilfried Nancy. The Hoops are fresh off a morale-boosting 3-1 Europa League victory over Feyenoord and a gritty 1-0 win against St. Mirren, sitting 2nd in the table and chasing leaders Hearts.
For Hibernian, led by David Gray, this is a chance to prove their 3rd place standing is no fluke. Despite a disappointing 2-0 loss to Motherwell in midweek where Grant Hanley saw red, the Hibees have turned Easter Road into a fortress this season. Can Gray’s men spoil O’Neill’s farewell, or will the champions march on?
Hibernian vs Celtic — Quick Match Info
- Fixture: Hibernian vs Celtic
- Competition: Scottish Premiership (Matchday 14)
- Venue: Easter Road, Edinburgh (Capacity: 20,421)
- Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
- Kickoff Time: 12:00 GMT / 17:30 IST
- Referee: Nick Walsh
- TV Channel (UK): Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event
- TV Channel (India): Viacom18 / JioCinema (Select matches)
- Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), Celtic TV (International)
Hibernian vs Celtic — Match Context (2025/26 Season)
Hibernian:
- Position: 3rd in Premiership (21 Points).
- Form: Mixed. A strong 2-0 win over Dundee was followed by a frustrating 0-2 defeat to Motherwell.
- Current Challenge: Defensive reshuffle. With captain Grant Hanley suspended, Gray must reorganize a backline that will face the league’s most potent attack.
Celtic:
- Position: 2nd in Premiership (26 Points).
- Form: Resurgent. Since O’Neill stepped in, they have stabilized, winning 4 of their last 5 in all competitions. The 3-1 win at Feyenoord was a statement performance.
- Current Challenge: Injury management. Key defenders like Carter-Vickers and Johnston are missing, forcing O’Neill to trust his squad depth.
Hibernian vs Celtic — What’s at Stake
For Hibernian:
- Statement Result: Taking points off the Old Firm is the benchmark for any Hibs manager. A win would solidify their grip on 3rd place and keep them within touching distance of the top two.
For Celtic:
- Title Race: With Hearts currently leading the pack, Celtic cannot afford to drop points. A win here would apply massive pressure on the Jambos.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Team Form
Hibernian (Last 5 Matches):
- L vs Motherwell (0-2)
- W vs Dundee FC (2-0)
- W vs St. Mirren (3-0)
- D vs Livingston (2-2)
- L vs Rangers (0-1)
Celtic (Last 5 Matches):
- W vs Feyenoord (3-1 – EL)
- W vs St. Mirren (1-0)
- W vs Kilmarnock (4-0)
- L vs Midtjylland (1-3 – EL)
- W vs Rangers (3-1 – League Cup)
Hibernian vs Celtic — Team News
Hibernian:
- Grant Hanley: Suspended (Red Card vs Motherwell – Massive loss in central defense).
- Josh Campbell: Out (Inactive).
- Rudi Molotnikov: Out (Injury).
- Dylan Levitt: Questionable (Inactive/Knock).
- Alasana Manneh: Questionable (Hamstring).
- Key Return: Joe Newell will need to captain the side and control the midfield battle.
Celtic:
- Alistair Johnston: Out (Hamstring Injury – Anthony Ralston will start at RB).
- Jota: Out (Knee Injury – Long-term absentee).
- Cameron Carter-Vickers: Doubtful/Out (Achilles Tendon).
- Callum Osmand: Out (Inactive).
- Marcelo Saracchi: Questionable (Injury – but traveled to Feyenoord).
- Kelechi Iheanacho: Returned to the squad and is pushing for a start after his goal against Feyenoord.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Head to Head
- 27 Sep 2025: Celtic 0–0 Hibernian
- 10 May 2025: Celtic 3–1 Hibernian
- 09 Mar 2025: Celtic 2–0 Hibernian (Cup)
- 22 Feb 2025: Hibernian 2–1 Celtic
- 07 Dec 2024: Celtic 3–0 Hibernian
Hibernian vs Celtic — Predicted Lineups
Hibernian (4-2-3-1):
Without Hanley, Bushiri likely partners O’Hora in defense.
- GK: Raphael Sallinger
- RB: Lewis Miller
- CB: Warren O’Hora
- CB: Rocky Bushiri
- LB: Jordan Obita
- CDM: Joe Newell (C)
- CDM: Kwon Hyeok-kyu
- RW: Martin Boyle
- CAM: Jamie McGrath
- LW: Élie Youan
- ST: Kieron Bowie
Celtic (4-3-3):
O’Neill is likely to stick with the winning formula from Rotterdam.
- GK: Kasper Schmeichel
- RB: Anthony Ralston
- CB: Auston Trusty
- CB: Liam Scales
- LB: Kieran Tierney
- CDM: Callum McGregor (C)
- CM: Arne Engels
- CM: Reo Hatate
- RW: Nicolas Kühn
- ST: Kyogo Furuhashi (or Kelechi Iheanacho)
- LW: Daizen Maeda
Hibernian vs Celtic — Impact Bench Options
Hibernian:
- Junior Hoilett: The veteran winger can provide quality delivery from set-pieces late in the game.
- Mykola Kukharevych: A physical threat if Hibs need to go direct.
Celtic:
- Kelechi Iheanacho: If he doesn’t start, he is a luxury option to have on the bench to kill the game.
- James Forrest: Experience and composure to close out tight matches.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Tactical Outlook
Hibernian:
- Playing Style: Counter-Attack. Without Hanley, Hibs might sit deeper to protect their box. They will look to release Martin Boyle and Élie Youan quickly in transition to exploit the space behind Celtic’s full-backs.
- Weakness: Central Defense. The O’Hora-Bushiri partnership will be tested by Kyogo’s movement.
Celtic:
- Playing Style: Relentless Pressure. O’Neill has brought back a directness to Celtic’s play. They will look to overload the wide areas with Maeda and Kuhn, forcing Hibs to stretch.
- Strength: Midfield Dominance. The trio of McGregor, Engels, and Hatate is technically superior to anything else in the league.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
| Martin Boyle vs. Kieran Tierney | Pace vs. Experience: Boyle is Hibs’ most dangerous outlet. Tierney loves to attack but must be wary of Boyle’s speed on the break. | Celtic |
| Joe Newell vs. Callum McGregor | Captain’s Duel: Both dictate play for their teams. If McGregor is allowed time on the ball, Celtic will dominate. | Celtic |
| Rocky Bushiri vs. Kyogo Furuhashi | Physicality vs. Movement: Bushiri is strong but can be rash. Kyogo’s movement is a nightmare for defenders who lose concentration. | Celtic |
Hibernian vs Celtic — Spotlight Players
Jamie McGrath (Hibernian):
The creative hub of this Hibs team. He has 5 goals this season and is deadly from penalties. If Hibs get a set-piece, McGrath is the man they look to.
Arne Engels (Celtic):
The Belgian midfielder has been a revelation. His energy and ability to drive forward with the ball break defensive lines. In a game that might become a midfield battle, his quality could be the difference.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Fan Reactions
Hibernian Fans:
“No Hanley against Kyogo is terrifying. We need to score first or it could be a long afternoon.”
“We beat them here in February. Easter Road needs to be rocking!”
Celtic Fans:
“One last dance for Martin O’Neill. Let’s send him off with a big win.”
“Ralston needs to step up. Hibs will target him.”
Hibernian vs Celtic — Match-Defining Factors
- Hanley’s Absence: Hibs lose their organizer. Can Bushiri step up without making a mistake?
- O’Neill’s Farewell: The players will be motivated to give their interim boss a perfect send-off before the new manager arrives.
- First Goal: In the last 8 meetings, the team that scored first went on to win or draw every time.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Prediction
Score Prediction: Hibernian 1–2 Celtic
Betting Insights:
- Outcome: Celtic to Win.
- Both Teams to Score: YES (Celtic’s defense is missing key pieces; Hibs are strong at home).
- Anytime Goalscorer: Kyogo Furuhashi.
Analysis: Hibernian are a dangerous side at Easter Road, but the suspension of Grant Hanley is a massive blow to their defensive stability. Celtic are finding rhythm again under O’Neill, and their midfield quality should allow them to control the game and carve out enough chances to win, even if they concede.
Hibernian vs Celtic — Final Word
It’s a Sunday showdown with plenty on the line. Hibernian will look to capitalize on Celtic’s defensive injuries, but Celtic have the momentum and the depth to navigate this tricky away fixture. Expect a high-energy contest, but the champions should have just enough class to take all three points back to Glasgow.
Hibernian vs Celtic — FAQs
When is the Hibs vs Celtic match?
The match kicks off on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at 12:00 GMT.
Is Grant Hanley playing?
No, Hibs captain Grant Hanley is suspended after receiving a red card against Motherwell.
Who is managing Celtic?
Martin O’Neill is in interim charge for this match.
Where can I watch the match in India?
Live streaming may be available on JioCinema or selected sports channels.
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