Celtic return to domestic duties this afternoon in the Scottish Premiership, currently sitting six points behind leaders Hearts with two games in hand– today’s match against Hibs at Celtic Park then a week on Wednesday’s trip to Pittodrie to take on Aberdeen; with a trip to Ibrox a week today to be factored in.
Celtic supporters singing YNWA ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic FC and VfB Stuttgart at Celtic Park on February 19, 2026. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
If Celtic can win these four matches then the title aspirations will be considerably enhanced.
Celtic started brilliantly against Livingston in our last domestic fixture at home but only had a one goal advantage to show for it and it took a late strike from new arrival Alex Oxlade Chamberlain to secure the three points.
Today we need the same kind of start but a highly level of ruthlessness in front of the Hibs goal in a match that sees Celtic legs tired after an emotionally draining experience in the Europa League play-off against VFB Stuttgart on Thursday night.
That has to be put to the side and the focus in now fully on the domestic challenges in the three, perhaps four way fight for the title and of course the Scottish Cup where we have another trip to Ibrox and the beautiful Sunday sight of a full Free Broomlaon to relish.
Celtic Team News
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Celtic reacts at the final whistle with Callum McGregor. Celtic v Livingston, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO/Shutterstock
Martin O’Neill will bring Alex Oxlade Chamberlain back into the squad after the former Liverpool and Arsenal was ineligible for the Europa League match. He is likely to go straight into the team to improve the Celtic midfield, clearly missing Arne Engels, the latest addition to the injury list.
The interim Celtic manager has a big call to make on the goalkeeping issue with Kasper Schmeichel clearly struggling for both form and fitness. It was a sad thing to witness his fall from grace with many of the Celtic supporters whose patience went as far as the Great Dane was concerned. The boos were regrettable to say the least.
Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership 29/03/2025. Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo during the match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park, on 29 March 2025. Photo Malcolm Mackenzie/PSI
But the reality is that portions are retained on form and fitness and Kasper is struggling in both. Expect Viljami Sinisalo to be given the gloves this afternoon.
The Celtic back four will possibly be unchanged although there’s an argument for rest Kieran Tierney today and starting Marcelo Saracchi, who will also get the nod in Stuttgart this coming Thursday night.
Up front Daizen Maeda was subdued on Thursday and could well do with sitting this one out. Yang and Sebastian Tounekti could be the two wingers with Tomas Cvancara leading the line.
Predicted Celtic Team
Sinisalo; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Saracchi; McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Nygren; Yang, Cvancara and Tounekti
Subs: Doohan, Arthur, Murray, Donovan, McCowan, Bernardo, Hatate, Adamu, Forrest, Maeda, Iheanacho
Match Officials
Hearts v Tottenham – Pre Season Friendly ,Tynecastle, Referee Matthew MacDermid, Wednesday July 17, 2024. Andrew Milligan
The SFA have confirmed the refereeing team for the game at Celtic Park with Matthew MacDermid taking charge of the 3pm meeting.
MacDermid will be assisted by Daniel McFarlane and Chris Rae. The 32-year-old has taken charge of two games this season, a 2-0 defeat away to Dundee then the 4-2 win over Livingston.
Meanwhile, at Clydesdale House, Grant Irvine is on VAR with Ross Hardie assisting.
Kick-off Time
A view of Celtic Park Celtic v Falkirk, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 01 February 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO / Shutterstock
Celtic v Hibs in the Scottish Premiership kicks off at Celtic Park at 3pm
Where to Watch
Today’s game is NOT live on Sky Sports or Premier Sports but subscribers to Celtic TV based outside of Britain and Ireland can watch the game live while subscribers to the club’s onwn TV channel can catch the delayed broadcast from around midnight this evening, or watch tomorrow.
Highlights will be shown on BBC Scotland early evening then on BBC One Scotland later in the evening.
Predicted Score
A view of Celtic Park Celtic v Falkirk, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 01 February 2026. Photo Mark Runnacles IMAGO / Shutterstock
Celtic just need to win today, we need to be 100% focused on helping them as much as we can. Expect a hard fought match against a Hibs side smelling blood but Celtic to come out on top with a 3-1 win in a match that will be closer than this score might suggest.
COYBIG
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order
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