Hibernian v Celtic: team news, referee details, KO time & where to watch

Celtic face Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon in what is shaping up to be a crucial weekend in the title race…

Martin O’Neill’s side won against Falkirk last weekend before Rangers lost to Motherwell at Ibrox while Hearts came from behind to win the Edinburgh Derby. Celtic go into this game playing before their title rivals, who face each other at Tynecastle on Sunday evening. Celtic can put pressure on both teams by winning at Easter Rd.

Celtic won at Easter Rd earlier this season but lost and drew to Hibs at Celtic Park in the earlier meetings this season.

Celtic Team News

Cameron Carter-Vickers has returned to training but he remains out of contention, alongside long term absentees Jota, Julian Araujo and Kasper Schmeichel. Tomas Cvancara is expected to be out for the rest of the season with the Czech forward due to see a specialist regarding a groin issue.

Alistair Johnston came through the weekend’s game against Falkirk. Callum Osmand played a half for the B team during the week but it is expected that this game will come too soon for the ex-Fulham talent.

Vil Sinisalo will start in goals.

Despite AJ being back in contention, expect Tony Ralston to continue with the Canadian Internationalist coming on from the bench. The remainder of the backline will likely be Auston Trusty, Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney.

Callum McGregor will start in the midfield. The captain will be joined by Arne Engels and likely Benji Nygren. There is an argument that perhaps someone like Luke McCowan or Reo Hatate would be a better option given their all round qualities. However, Nygren’s goal scoring prowess means that he is likely to continue.

Daizen Maeda will likely continue through the middle with Yang out wide alongside James Forrest.

Predicted Celtic Team 

Predicted XI: Sinisalo; Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Engels, Nygren; Yang, Maeda, Forrest.

Match Officials 

The SFA have confirmed the appointment of David Dickinson as the referee for the game. The 46-year-old will be assisted by Calum Spence and Douglas Ross. Dickinson has taken charge of two Celtic league games this season, home wins against Aberdeen and Falkirk.

Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Don Robertson is on VAR duty with Duncan Nicolson assisting.

Kick Off Time

The Hibernian v Celtic match in the Scottish Premiership kicks off at 12 noon* at Easter Road.

*Celtic Park Time.

Where to Watch

The game will be shown on Sky Sports Football with coverage starting at 11:30am. Chris Sutton & Co will preview the action before the action from Leith kicks off.

Celtic TV subscribers outside Britain and Ireland will be able to tune in and watch the events unfold from Easter Road.